Father's Day gift of assistance could help prolong independent living style

With Father's Day just around the corner, one inexpensive gift to a dad who wants to maintain a modicum of independent living is to offer help with household chores or maintenance.


Mobility problems and other concerns for men who are in retirement living communities tend to be downplayed because of societal roles taught early on, according to researchers at the University of Cincinnati and the Medical University of South Carolina.


"We see many elderly men needing the most help but they are the last to ask for it," says Peter Ross, CEO and founder of home care provider Senior Helpers.

"An elderly man could be suffering from deep depression or a physical ailment, but he's too proud to seek assistance."


By appealing to an older man's desire to solve problems, Ross says that the potential effect on a retirees ego is lessened, and the father and son can work together to find solutions while maintaining the father and son dynamic.


One possible fix-up could be adding fire prevention measures in dad's home, according to researchers from SINTEF Norwegian Fire Laboratories who say that the elderly have an increased risk for severe injuries if their home is ablaze.


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