Christmas and the summer holiday period in New Zealand is well known for bringing people together, providing an opportunity to catch up with loved ones we haven’t seen for a while. While these are often times of joy and connection, sometimes they can also be a sober reminder that our parents or older relatives’ health and vigour isn’t what it used to be.
As our parents age, the realisation that they might need additional support can be a challenging aspect of the caregiving journey. This is especially true when living at a distance and their condition worsens between visits. For those navigating the complexities of caregiving from afar, the question of how best to ensure the safety and wellbeing of aging parents living alone becomes crucial.
Challenges for Elderly Living Alone
As people move through their sunset years, everyday activities that were once routine may become challenging, and the risk of accidents or emergencies increases.
Physical Limitations – Frailty often brings about physical limitations, making routine tasks more difficult. Simple activities such as cooking, cleaning, or even moving around the house can become challenging, leading to a decline in overall independence.
Isolation and Loneliness – Living alone may contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. As social circles naturally shrink with age, the absence of regular companionship can have adverse effects on mental and emotional well-being.
Health Monitoring – Keeping track of one’s health becomes crucial in later years. For frail parents living alone, managing medications, attending medical appointments, and monitoring health conditions can become overwhelming without adequate support.
Emergency Situations – The risk of accidents or emergencies is heightened for frail individuals. In the absence of immediate assistance, a slip or fall can lead to severe consequences. A timely response in case of emergencies becomes critical.
Home Maintenance – As the ability to get physical tasks done decreases, maintaining the home can become a burden. Simple tasks like repairs, yard work, and general upkeep may fall by the wayside, impacting the overall safety and comfort of the living environment.
Understanding and addressing the challenges faced by older parents living alone is essential to protect their wellbeing and quality of life. But you don’t have to tackle this alone. Organisations like Freedom Medical Alarms and Private Care NZ play a crucial role in helping you and your older loved ones to bridge the gap between autonomy and security.
Get a quick summary below of what they can do for you and your elderly whānau.
Private Care NZ: Comfort and Independence at Home
Private Homecare: Private Care NZ’s private home care services are tailored to meet the specific needs of those who may require some support to live well and independently in their own home. Our dedicated caregivers assist with daily tasks, ensuring a comfortable and safe living environment. From personal care to light housekeeping, we prioritise the wellbeing and independence of our clients.
Aged Care Services: Recognising the unique requirements of aging individuals, Private Care NZ’s aged care services are designed to provide specialised support. Our experienced team is adept at addressing the physical, emotional, and health-related challenges that often accompany the aging process.
Transportation with Uber Health: Private Care NZ goes the extra mile by partnering with Uber Health to facilitate seamless transportation for the people we support. Whether it’s medical appointments, social engagements, or a simple trip to the grocery store, our collaboration ensures reliable and convenient transportation, eliminating the stress associated with travel.
Nutrition Support with My Food Bag: Understanding the importance of nutrition in overall wellbeing, Private Care NZ has partnered with MADE by My Food Bag to offer a convenient solution for meal planning and ordering. Those who aren’t quite up to cooking can enjoy nutritious and delicious meals delivered right to their doorstep, promoting health and removing worries about meal prep.
For add-on services like Uber Health and MADE by My Food Bag, no app downloads are necessary – we organise and coordinate these services, handle the charges, and wrap it all up into a single invoice.
Freedom Medical Alarms: Peace of Mind and Expert Help
Medical alarms can play a huge role in making it safer for elderly people to live independently. These devices mean that around the home and garden, or even while out and about*, one or two simple button presses are all that separates your loved one from a team of emergency triage specialists ready to get them the help they need. Whether it’s a slip, a fall, or some unexpected medical emergency, a medical alarm ensures that expert help is close at hand.
Swift Emergency Response: A Freedom Medical Alarm ensures that seniors receive prompt assistance during emergencies, minimising the potential impact of accidents or health issues.
Enhanced Safety and Security: The 24/7 support and monitoring provide an added layer of safety, creating a secure environment for those experiencing frailty to age comfortably in their own homes.
Promoting Independence: By empowering seniors with a tool that enables them to call for help independently, Freedom Medical Alarms encourage a sense of autonomy and confidence.
Ambulance Costs Covered: When a Freedom Medical Alarm is activated, all ambulance costs resulting from that activation are fully covered by the Freedom Medical Alarms team.
Peace of Mind for Caregivers: Families and caregivers gain peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are equipped with a reliable and immediate response system.
As your loved ones begin to grapple with the challenges of ageing, you don’t have to tackle their care all on your own. With organisations like Private Care NZ and Freedom Medical Alarms offering a variety of services to suit each individual, supporting your parents to live an independent, fulfilling life is simpler than ever before.
Embrace the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones are in good hands, with Freedom Medical Alarms and Private Care NZ.
*Freedom Medical Alarms’ GO Pendant works anywhere in New Zealand that has a 4G cellular network.
