This month, in Canada, we celebrate Father’s Day. When your father starts to age and struggle with mobility, it is important for the family to work together and look for ways to care and support him in the most practical and meaningful way possible.
Ageing and Home Comfort
Getting older, of course, impacts everyone differently and many people experience physical changes, health issues, as well as emotional issue as they age.
Whatever your lifestyle, it is important to forge strong contact with your loved ones – a regular weekly call or monthly visit helps to create consistency and structure.
Ideally there will be lots of face-to-face contact, but getting your parents used to using technology as early as possible can be extremely useful to future-proof healthy and strong communications.
As people age, they benefit from existing social structures that provide a listening ear and support. Fathers can be reluctant to share their struggles having been a pillar of family strength. Staying in touch regularly can help to encourage open dialogue and prevent a sense of sharing struggles being a burden.
Ongoing support and early intervention can also prove critical in improving lifestyle and helping parents to age in place. For example, stairs could be becoming a daily struggle with risks of trips and falls which are the leading cause of decline.
In the fiscal year 2023/24, according to research there were 81,599 fall-related hospitalizations among older adults in Canada. Interventions can be put in place to avoid these intervention early and mitigate the risk so that your father does not have to give up the home he loves for example.
Home Elevator
A home elevator is becoming increasingly popular as a home modification that future proofs a family home, helping to meet the needs of multiple generations.
These residential elevators are not just a mobility tool and are often fitted into homes to create a more luxurious look and feel, whilst making moving around the home a comfortable breeze.
For parents who are aging, fitting this style of in-home elevator before it is essentially needed can be a great way to preserve independence and dignity.
It keeps every part of the home accessible and enjoyable for all, without needing to ask for help.
Why It Matters
For many dads, the gift of mobility is also the gift of freedom. It means they can still be themselves and do the things they love such as hosting family dinners, tending to the garden easily or simply not having to ask a loved one for help when they want to travel between floors. This is important for mental wellbeing but also a sense of purpose. It is important, sometimes, to let your dad be dad!
Options and Features
A modern home elevator is a stylish addition to your home and can be personalized to your preferences and to integrate with your existing or planned decor.
Long gone are the days of clunky heavy machinery. Modern domestic home elevators by Stiltz for example are efficient, sleek, quiet, and elegant. Operating using no more power than a kettle or toaster and using a traditional domestic plug socket they are also very cost effective to run. The self-supporting modular design is innovatively designed to be fitted simply and easily in a compact aperture requiring no load bearing walls.
Planning for Independence and Aging in Place
It is always good to start the conversation with your dad early on about the future and what he wants moving forwards. Most people want to age in place and maintain their independence and lifestyle for as long as possible, review any changes that could be put in place to future-proof your dad’s lifestyle and keep your dad independent for as long as possible in the best possible health.
Helping Dad Stay Connected
Lastly, take some time to look at what is available in the community to support your father with connections and social interactions. Help Age Canada also has a range of community options including Men sheds, which can be a great social hub of activity connecting like-minded individuals.