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When parents get old - what now?

When parents grow old, adult children often find themselves in a situation in which they have to deal with many difficult decisions and questions.

Many people shy away from discussing these issues with their parents and ultimately making the right decisions. Children are often afraid that their parents will not want to acknowledge their own ageing.

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What is the best way to start the conversation when parents get old?

With patience and sensitivity. If your resilience, strength and concentration slowly but surely diminish, this is certainly difficult to accept. Nevertheless, you should adapt to the new life situation. For many parents, it can be unfamiliar and difficult to accept an offer of help from their children.

Suggestions for aids such as stair-climbing aids, rollators, hearing aids or modifications for accessibility can initially be firmly rejected. Even if these would improve the quality of life enormously. A great deal of patience and tact is required here in order to maintain a dialog with the parents.

Put yourself in your parents' shoes and think about how you would like to be confronted with the issue. Even if you have been aware for some time that your parents are getting old and need help, this does not mean that your parents are aware of this. Give your parents enough time and space to come to terms with the idea. This doesn't happen overnight either.

This new situation also often means a significant change for the children. The roles are suddenly reversed and it is important to approach the parents with understanding and care - especially if the parents have difficulties dealing with the issue. It is therefore important to address the issue at an early stage, ideally before there is a need for action. This allows the topic to be discussed objectively.

Which questions should be addressed?

  1. When is the right time to broach the subject of care?
  2. Which questions should you start with?
  3. What to do when reproaches are made?

When is the right time to broach the subject of care?

Basically, the earlier the better. The prerequisite for this is that you are prepared when you start the dialog. Questions such as "What do you imagine it will be like if you are no longer able to look after yourself one day?".

You need to think about the extent to which you can get involved in care beforehand. You should therefore inform yourself thoroughly about all the options available and how they can be implemented.

Which questions should you start with?

Probably the most important questions concern powers of attorney and living wills. The topic of living wills serves as a perfect introduction to the subject if, for example, you are currently filling out a living will yourself. Then come the powers of attorney: Who should take care of what? These rather neutral topics form a good basis and introduction to more difficult topics such as care in old age.

What if accusations are made?

The most important thing is to put yourself in your parents' shoes and think about how you would prefer to be confronted with the topic. Remember that although you have been dealing with the issue for some time, it may come as a surprise to your parents that you bring it up.

As a first reaction, it is therefore not surprising if your parents initially react somewhat negatively to the topic. A lot of patience and tact is therefore required on your part in order to maintain an open dialog with the parents.

Talk to your parents as equals, i.e. neither submissively nor from above. To avoid misunderstandings, ask your parents more questions rather than just making statements and presenting them with a fait accompli. It is important to involve your parents in the decision-making process.

Topic aids

To avoid falls in old age, it is advisable to get an overview of the aids available.

Crutches

Crutches
Crutches

Crutches are particularly beneficial if you only need a little support when walking. Many people use crutches after hip fractures or other bone fractures caused by a fall, for example.

There are many different types of crutches. It is important that you find crutches that are comfortable for you and that can support you for a long time. It is advisable to opt for crutches that are height-adjustable, cushioned and padded.

Rollators

TOPRO Hestia rollator
TOPRO Troja 5G

Rollators provide support for both long and short distances. You can sit on the rollator for a short break or you can use it to transport your shopping home.

The rollator can also be used both outdoors and indoors at home and is an excellent way to remain active if you have restricted mobility. You can activate the brake at any time so that you can support yourself without having to worry about the rollator rolling away.

TOPRO Step stair climber

toprostep
TOPRO Step stair assistant
Toprostep-lifestyle-15-1S5A6955-Foto-Oyvind-S-Endal
TOPRO Step stair assistant

If you have a staircase in your home, you can use the TOPRO Step stair climbing aid. TOPRO Step is a stair climbing aid with a handle that moves along the rail system.

TOPRO Step provides support and safety when climbing stairs, so you can climb the stairs at your own pace. This is a great way to make your own home barrier-free, so you don't have to limit yourself to one floor or install a stairlift. Choosing safe solutions that also contribute to activity and movement in your own home has great health benefits.

Did you know, for example, that physical activity protects against dementia?

Why choose TOPRO Step?

Installation in 3 steps

To carry out an on-site inspection and receive a quote, make an appointment with us. Once you have accepted the quote, we will carry out the installation, which usually only takes a few hours. .

TÜV tested and certified

TOPRO Step is TÜV-tested and certified and meets all functional and safety requirements.

Adaptable to your staircase

TOPRO Step is designed so that it can be easily adapted to your staircase. It can be installed on straight stairs, curved stairs and stairs with a landing.

Fits perfectly in any home

Ask your health insurance company about the possibility of cost coverage or possible subsidies. Please note that these options are country-specific and individual.

Up to 5 years warranty

TOPRO Step means TOPRO quality. When you buy a TOPRO Step, you receive a guarantee of up to 5 years.

Over 2,000 satisfied users

We measure success by satisfied customers, which is our top priority. We already have over 4,000 satisfied users throughout Europe.

Choose your TOPRO Step

Configure your TOPRO Step - in just a few steps!

Do you have any questions?

Talk to us

Would you like a free and personal consultation? Get in touch with our TOPRO Step experts and book a free, no-obligation appointment directly at your home.

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We are happy to advise you

TOPRO Step Expert
+47 902 931 00
Monday - Friday
08:00 - 16:00 o'clock.

We are happy to advise you

TOPRO Step Expert
+47 902 931 00
Monday - Friday
08:00 - 16:00 o'clock.

Request a callback

Do you have any questions or would you like to test the TOPRO Step stair climber?

Get in touch with us

Get in touch with us

We have compiled all frequently asked questions on the FAQ page

Read the FAQs

Read the FAQs

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more about the financing options

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