Talking to loved ones about care is daunting, but it's an important conversation to have, says Nicola Buckley, who discussed the options available with her dad, and is urging others to do the same. Nicola, 52, from Surrey, began talking about care with her dad Ricky, 79, in 2018, when she realised he wasn't able to look after himself. She is pleased she did, as it has led to a better quality of life for him.
Ricky now has a weekly 12-hour care package, through private firm Home Instead. He receives help with food prep, laundry, cleaning, companionship and walks from his main caregiver Suzy, who visits for up to a couple of hours six days a week, while Nicola is there to cover Sundays. 'Every situation is unique, but you have to approach it in a way that is palatable for your loved one,' says Nicola, whose older brother lives in Australia. 'I made mistakes - I tried to get my dad to go to day centres, but that was too much for him. For us to talk about care, I had to find a time when both of us were feeling in a good way, and it wasn't an emergency situation.'
Nicola found that the best way was telling him this was his choice, on his terms, and she found he was receptive to that. 'Nobody wants to feel like they have no control over their own life,' she says.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 28, 2022-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 28, 2022-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest