The Signs That Your Roof Needs An Inspection

One of the absolute essentials of maintenance for any home is keeping your roof secure and strong. Any roofing trouble can quickly lead to leaks and water damage, so here, we’re going to look at the signs that you should probably take a look up there to assess the damage.

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Visible signs of damage

First of all, take a look with your eyes. If you can immediately see signs of damage, such as any missing tiles, cracked tiles, or other kinds of damage, then it’s always worth taking a closer look. You might not need to entirely replace the roof if the damage is localized to a few tiles. Simply replacing them could be enough to restore the integrity of your roof. However, at some point, it may end up cheaper to repair the entire roof if there are enough instances of damage.

Leaking inside the home

If you have begun to see the signs of a leak inside the home, the roof is one of the first places you should look, especially if the leak is coming from above. Leaks can be caused by even minor openings in the barrier that your roof is supposed to provide, and the water damage that it results in can get more and more expensive to fix the longer that you leave it, exceeding the cost to replace roof services. Don’t dawdle if you see leaks from above, act immediately. 

Worried about blocked gutters

If there are signs that you have blocked gutters, such as water leaking down the side of the wall, instead of proceeding through the downspout as expected, then you might want to see if it’s blocked. Leaks caused by blocked gutters can start to wear away at the end of the house, finding weaknesses to leak inwards. Cleaning gutters isn’t usually an expensive or arduous task, thankfully.

There’s been a storm recently

Even if your home hasn’t sustained any immediately visible damage, after a storm has passed and it is safe to, you should take a look at the top of the home. The roof is the area of the home that’s most susceptible to storm damage, not only due to the fact that tiles can be ripped away by high-speed winds but debris can be thrown into the roof as well, causing tiles to break.

It’s been a while

Every home has an expected lifespan. For most roofs, it’s around 25-50 years, but depending on the materials your roof is made up, the answer might be different for you. However, when a roof is old enough, even if it doesn’t have visible damage, the tiles are likely to become a lot more porous and can start letting through the rain, regardless, which may require a full roof replacement.

Whether you need a whole roof replacement, a few replacement tiles, or you just need to clean your gutters, an annual roof inspection can help you ensure that you’re not likely to get surprised by any sudden water damage from above in the years to come.

How To Avoid Overdraft Fees

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How you spend your money can significantly impact many aspects of your life, including your credit and finances. When your spending habits push your account into the negative, your credit union or bank will charge you an overdraft fee. According to recent US data, the average overdraft fee is around $27, and this amount can accumulate for as long as you continue to buy. Paying for overdraft fees isn't particularly convenient, especially when you are trying to save money and build a financially secure future. Fortunately, you can employ the following strategies to avoid overdraft fees.

Avoid signing up for overdraft coverage 

Signing for overdraft coverage is not ideal if you want to avoid overdraft fees. Instead, it’s best to opt out by telling your bank not to cover your transactions when you don't have enough cash in your account. That means you no longer attract fees for those one-time debit card swipes or ATM withdrawals that put you in the red. However, this doesn't mean your checks or regular automatic payments will bounce, as those can still go through. So, take control of your banking by avoiding overdraft coverage, and your wallet will thank you later. 

Keep an eye on your account balances 

Regularly check your accounts to ensure your balances aren't too low. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the majority of overdraft fees occur when your balance is around $24. Fortunately, there are simple ways to easily check your balances including signing up for mobile banking. With the app on your phone, you can check your account on the go. This way, you can quickly transfer money or delay spending until you have sufficient money in your account. 

Consider other forms of credit 

Life happens, and sometimes you need money to cover some emergency expenses. The good news is there are other forms of credit, including instant or same-day loans, that allow you to get quick cash with no or little interest compared to your overdraft fees. For instance,  an installment loan can be a more convenient way to cover your expenses quickly while enjoying faster loan repayment options with fewer fees. If you’re interested in this, you can check the internet for online installment loans to avoid paying expensive overdraft fees. 

Consider banks with generous overdraft policies 

Not all banks or credit unions are solely focused on charging you with overdraft fees. Some of them are actually less strict about it. Therefore, if you're tired of getting debited with those charges, it might be time to choose a new banking or credit facility. You will be surprised to know that many institutions offer zero overdraft fees. That means you can dip into the red without being slapped with a penalty. However, there’s a catch; you have to clear the negative balance within 30 days, or you might be denied this offer. If you’re thinking about making the switch, you only need to ensure you’re ready to play by their rules, and you’ll bid goodbye to avoidable overdraft fees. 

How to Open Doors to Any Career

 

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For many people, their career path can look a lot more like a maze than it does a straight path and that’s perfectly okay. We don’t all know what we want to do for the rest of our lives, and you know, some of us just like a little variety. Whatever the case may be, it is fair to say that there are a few things you can do to unlock those career doors, whatever industry they may be in, very effectively. So, let’s take a look at a few of them right now.

1. Learn as Many Skills as You Can

The first step in your locksmith training? Actual training. Whether it's getting your food handler certification, taking CPR classes, or learning how to speak publicly more effectively, acquiring new skills is like forging your own career key. And in today’s world, where you can learn anything from underwater basket weaving to quantum physics online, there’s no excuse not to buff up that resume. Just remember, the goal is to stand out, so tailor your learning to where you want your key to fit.

2. Gain Experience

So, you’ve got the skills and know people on the other side of the door (networking). Now, it’s time to start picking some locks (gaining experience). Internships, volunteer work, or side projects related to your desired field are all great ways to get hands-on experience. It’s like saying, “Hey, not only do I have a shiny key, but I also know how to use it.”

If that is not something you think you can do, then you could always experiment with offering your services as a freelancer. This will give you the opportunity to test the waters in your chosen new career, while also building a portfolio of work that you can show to potential employers, while also gaining references too. Obviously, you should only do this if you are confident you can succeed in your chosen new field because bad reviews will do the opposite of help, but if you think you can do that, then go ahead.

3. Personal Branding

In the digital age, your online presence is your keychain, displaying all the shiny keys (skills, experiences, and personality) you bring to the table. Platforms like LinkedIn, personal blogs, or even Instagram can showcase your professional journey. Keep it polished, consistent, and authentic. You want potential employers to see your key and think, “This is the one we’ve been looking for!”

If you have a not so good reputation online for whatever reason, or you have posted a lot of silly stuff in your younger years online, then using a reputation management company to clean up anything you might not want people to see is often a good idea that will improve your personal branding more than you might think possible, so consider it seriously. After all, most employers will Google your name before they decide to hire you or not.

4. Stay Flexible

Here’s a secret: The most successful people often have a set of master keys – a mix of transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability that can unlock multiple doors. Cultivate these skills, and you’ll find that even if one door slams shut, you’ve got the tools to open another.

What kind of skills will you need? As well as having professional qualifications for any given role, soft skills like being able to work as a team, speak publicly, conflict resolution and creativity are always highly sought after and can be transferable to a range of roles, so they are definitely good things to cultivate if you can, and will see you succeed in whatever career you choose, for sure.

5. The Follow-Up

Last but certainly not least, don’t ever be afraid to knock on those doors (or, in today’s terms, send a follow-up email). Whether it’s after an interview, networking event, or even a casual chat, a thoughtful follow-up can be the nudge that opens the door wide. Just remember, there’s a fine line between persistent and pestering – tread carefully.

Opening doors to any career you might be interested in means being flexible, learning as much as you can and making an effort to meet the right people along the way, so it will certainly take some time and dedication, but it will be worth it when you can open doors to just about any job you can think of, even if you may need to do some additional training to get there!

Hosting a Party Soon? Here’s Why You Should Consider Catering Options

For most people, ordering a local takeout or even cooking can be a good option to feed guests at a party. In some cases, you might do something fancy like having a potluck so that people can bring in different types of food to try.

But there’s a surprising number of people who don’t realize that catering is also an option.

You can think of catering as a bit more organized version of takeout. You can usually get huge amounts of food at discounted prices, and you generally don’t have to deal with additional fees from food delivery services. In addition, you often have specialized menus that will appeal to different tastes and dietary needs without having to worry too much.

But those aren’t the only reasons to pick catering! So if you’re having a party soon, read on to find out some more benefits on why you should consider it.

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Catering is surprisingly flexible and is great for parties and events of all sizes

Be it small party catering or a public event with over a hundred people, catering is really flexible! You can let the restaurant or service know how many people you’ll be serving and they’ll adjust portions and amounts to meet your needs. It’s really easy and you don’t have to think about how much food you’re ordering from a regular delivery service.

There’s a lot of convenience when it comes to catering

Catering often comes with additional services and conveniences that you won’t get with a food delivery service. If you use an app to get food, then it just comes delivered by a random driver. However, if you order catering services, then you could also get additional services like cutlery and dishes to rent, or even waiting staff that can help serve the food at your event. It’s a brilliant way to save time and also take a lot of the work off your shoulders.

You can order large amounts of food for your party or event

Got a birthday party coming up with dozens of guests? If so, then your order probably won’t fit in a delivery driver’s bag! On the other hand, catering allows you to order much more food because they usually use their own delivery drivers with larger vehicles. Catering services are also much better equipped to handle larger portions of food and bigger orders. However, do keep in mind that if you’re ordering a really large amount of food, then you may need to plan ahead a day or two in advance so that they can be prepared to cook it all!

It’s a lot of stress off your shoulders

There are lots of different ways that catering can reduce your stress when hosting a party or event. For instance, you don’t have to worry about appealing to everybody’s individual tastes, you don’t have to ask everyone for their order when you get a food delivery, and you don’t even have to worry about having enough plates and cutlery in some cases. Catering removes a lot of the stress of feeding your guests, and we think it’s invaluable if you’re the host!

4 Ways To Prepare For Dental Surgery

Dental surgery can be a daunting prospect for many individuals, no matter how regular their appointments are with the dentist. For others, however, familiarity with the dentist and the clinic helps eliminate any doubts or concerns they may have. Before showing up for a dental appointment, it’s vital to prepare adequately to ensure a successful procedure. Therefore, here are four steps to take in that regard. 

1. Brush and floss your teeth before surgery

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Gentle brushing is key because doing otherwise can irritate your gums before the dental procedure. A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste are your go-to tools before dental surgery. It is also advisable to avoid any teeth whitening formula at least five days before the procedure. Do not forget to floss your teeth, as that helps reduce the risk of post-operative infections. Food particles trapped in your teeth or along the gumline can move into the surgical site, increasing infection risks. Remember to be gentle with flossing to prevent gum irritations. Although it’s tempting to resort to an alcohol-based mouthwash after brushing and flossing, dentists say an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash is best. Alcohol can make your gums feel raw and may increase discomfort levels after dental surgery. Moreover, research has shown that alcohol-based mouthwashes can weaken the tooth enamel.

Follow preoperative instructions

Your dentist will likely provide you with specific instructions to follow before your surgery. These are known as preoperative instructions and are crucial to the dental surgery’s successful outcome. They are often given in the days leading up to the dental surgery and are primarily centered around dos and don’ts that have direct bearings on the impending procedure. It often ranges from dietary restrictions to medication guidelines and discomfort management. It’s best to keep an open mind about how your body will react to any surgery, so following these preoperative instructions can boost quicker recovery.

Preoperative instructions also help reduce post-surgery complication risks. You’ll usually receive these instructions during one of your dental consultations before surgery. The timing of preoperative instructions matters because it influences the procedure’s results. For example, if you are on blood thinning medications, it may be required to stop them at least two weeks before dental surgery. Stopping them in time can reduce the risk of post-dental surgery blood clotting issues, so feel free to consider this. 

Prepare a comfortable recovery space

This step is critical during the recovery period when you cannot move around much. Even after dental surgery, you may be required to observe bed rest while limiting major movements. Remember to stock up on soft and easy foods that don’t require spending too much time in the kitchen. It would help to prepare soups, mashed potatoes, and other soft foods in advance. Easy-to-eat foods will prevent any irritation to the surgical site. Yogurt can also be helpful in these times because of its probiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, so feel free to consider this. 

Its cold nature, especially when kept in the refrigerator, can numb any discomfort at the surgery site. You will also need ice packs, sterile gauze pads, and over-the-counter pain relievers in your recovery space. Make them easily accessible so you don’t have to move around much trying to locate them. As a tip, create an inventory of everything you prepared for; that way, it will be easy for any person tasked to cater to you in that period to do an efficient job. Try as much as possible not to stock up on unapproved pain relievers, as they can be addictive.

Arrange transportation and support

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Some anesthesia used for dental surgery may take longer to wear off after the surgery. It is therefore advisable to arrange for transport and reliable support to help you after the procedure. It’s risky to drive when these numbing medications have not yet worn off and could impair your judgment. Many medications have detailed cautions on their labels, and one is to avoid operating any machinery for a period. These can also be applied to dental anesthesia. Your support system can be a trusted friend, a sibling, or a parent who can safely take you home afterward. Apart from that, your trusted support can provide much-needed reassurance if you experience post-operative side effects or discomfort. Because you never know what your post-surgery recovery outcomes will be, it will be necessary to take these precautionary measures to be safe.

Dental surgery often has positive outcomes but that will so depend on the measures you take before the procedure.

Getting on the Property Ladder in 2024

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Getting on the property ladder is a challenge and a risk pretty much any time. But with some knowledge and organization, you can make it easier on yourself. So, from tricks for improving your credit score to understanding economic conditions, here are some valuable tips.

Use the Tools Available for Saving

Saving is a top priority when trying to buy a property. There are many ways you can do this, and it may come easy, or you will find it hard. Of course, you can simply put money away, but you also need to do this correctly. For example, you need an account that accrues interest because money loses value over time. There are also services such as Mortgage Detectives that can help navigate fees more easily. Apps such as Acorns can invest your rounded-up transactions.

Try to Improve Your Credit Score

You will be accepted for a mortgage with a poor credit score. If you are, there will likely be unfair policies that don’t work for you. The higher your credit score, the better deal you can get. This is because a good credit score is evidence that you are financially responsible. Sites such as ClearScore offer insights into your score for free and tips on boosting it. One of the easiest is by using credit cards to pay for everything, then instantly paying back the funds, of course.

Downgrade when Getting on the Property Ladder

When you have an idea of what you want, you can begin saving towards a downpayment. A downpayment is often between 10% and 20%, but mortgage approval is more likely the more you can pay. Now, the average age of a first-time buyer is around 33. This is too old to be living with parents. But it can be a great way to get a helping hand as you scrimp and save for a downpayment. However, you can also move into a cheaper rental as you find the funds.

Keep an Eye on the Economy

Going into a mortgage negotiation blind can be a disaster. There are people who will take advantage of your lack of knowledge, and then there’s the economy. Learning how the housing market works will help you make better and more informed decisions when buying a home. Keep an eye on the national bank’s interest rates, the current rate of inflation, and other factors that can influence the sale of a property, such as the current cost of living and energy costs.

Consider the Type of Property

Like most things, it can be better to start off small and work towards bigger goals when buying property for the first time. Most first-time buyers purchase an apartment and work towards larger properties over the years. Of course, this can be cheaper and help you understand the fundamentals of property. But it can also hinder you as larger and more desirable properties increase in value. So consider what you want and how you can go about purchasing it.

Summary

There are many tools available for getting on the property ladder, such as savings apps and credit score services. However, down payments can be high, and it helps to downgrade properties as you save. It also helps to know the type of property you want to buy beforehand.

Embracing Balance: Mental Health Self-Care Tips

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Glad to have you today as we're diving into a topic that often gets overlooked. It is actually important. Taking care of our mental health. Sometimes, we need to pamper ourselves, like going to meals and a relaxing spa. We also need to do things that nurture our minds and souls. It may be finding solace in a morning meditation or having a dance party in your living room. Join me as we explore the ways to maintain our mental well-being at its best.

The Importance of Seeking Professional Assistance

Keep in mind that mental health is as important as physical health. Don’t hesitate to seek support from our health professionals when it comes to your well-being. They provide guidance and tailored assistance to meet your needs. Let's briefly explore the experts who can lend a helping hand:

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in health offering therapy sessions and prescribing medication, like ketamine if necessary.
• Psychologists focus on behavioral intervention by psychotherapy and psychological evaluations.
• Therapists/Counselors are experts who provide talk therapy for individuals to navigate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Social Workers are trained professionals who offer counseling services and link individuals to resources while considering the aspects of mental health.
• Life Coaches who concentrate on personal growth and assisting individuals in overcoming obstacles they encounter in their daily lives.

Remember, reaching out for assistance is a positive step that empowers you. These professionals are here to compassionately guide you through the complexities of health.

Exploring the World of Natural and Alternative Healing

Venturing into the realm of alternative healing presents an outlook on taking care of our mental well-being. These options can complement treatments offering an approach towards nurturing ourselves. Here are a few effective remedies worth considering:

• Start Embracing Mindfulness and Meditation: Engaging in practices that bring our focus to the moment helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
• Discovering Aromatherapy: Utilizing oils for their benefits promotes a calm mind and uplifting mood.
• Indulging in Herbal Infusions: Exploring the soothing effects of herbs such as chamomile or lavender which can help relax our nerves.
• Exploring Yoga and Tai Chi: Embracing exercises that intertwine body movements with mental clarity and breathing techniques.
• Harnessing Medical Cannabis: Using medical cannabis for anxiety, under guidance, this option can be incorporated into managing anxiety symptoms safely.

It's crucial to approach these remedies considering their compatibility with your lifestyle and individual health requirements.

Happiness in Hobbies and Activities

Isn't it amazing how immersing ourselves in a hobby we love can brighten up our world? Engaging in activities that bring us joy can have an impact on our well-being. Here's a compilation of hobbies and pastimes that have the potential to infuse our lives with happiness and tranquility:

• Expressing ourselves through painting or drawing.
• Playing an instrument to create melodies.
• Nurturing plants and flowers through gardening.
• Letting our creativity flow with writing or journaling.
• Exploring the great outdoors through hiking or nature walks.
• Indulging in the culinary arts of cooking or baking.
• Capturing life moments with photography.

Remember, it's not about achieving perfection in these activities; it's about finding the pleasure and serenity they bring into our lives.

Developing a Supportive Social Circle

Establishing a circle plays a vital role in maintaining our mental well-being. It involves discussing your health with loved ones and creating an environment where you feel genuinely understood not just listened to. These relationships go beyond interactions; they serve as pillars of support and empathy. Here are some suggestions for strengthening these bonds:

• Arrange meet-ups.
• Share experiences with each other.
• Seek support during tough times.
• Celebrating important achievements.
• Foster open and honest conversations.
• Participate in volunteering efforts or community services.
• Simply spend quality time together.
• Remember, it's the quality rather than the quantity of these connections that truly matters.

It's important to remember that taking care of our health is a journey. Do things that will help you. Those little steps we take and the conversations we have contributes to our mental well-being. So here's to embracing your path toward achieving harmony! Cheers!

Why The Electric Vehicle Craze Isn't Going Anywhere

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Electric vehicles are becoming more popular as manufacturers race to produce them in large quantities for the mass market. Practically every car company now has an electrification program, with many worrying about what’s going to happen when big countries start phasing out fossil fuels. 

But for individual consumers, these aren’t the concerns. The main issue is the quality of life that owning an EV brings. 

The purpose of this post is to make the argument that the electric vehicle craze isn’t going anywhere. We list the benefits of owning one of these vehicles and how it could make a massive difference to your lifestyle. So, without further ado, let’s take a look. 

Lower Operating Costs

While electricity might be temporarily more expensive right now because of the low price of oil, the operating costs of electric vehicles are far below what you might expect. Charging at a charging station or overnight at your home often costs only a fraction of what it does if you want to fill the tank with fuel. 

The operating costs are also lower because electric vehicles have fewer moving parts. There’s just less to go wrong. For example, electric vehicles don’t have fan belts, transmissions, gearboxes or clutches. All that complexity disappears when you have a battery supplying the power to the motors. You don’t even have an exhaust system you need to worry about. 

Higher Performance

As any car dealer will tell you, EVs also have significantly higher performance than equivalent internal combustion engine vehicles. That’s because the powertrain is simpler and there are fewer inefficiencies in the system. 

You also get direct power to the engines. This juice means you don’t have to keep the vehicle in the optimal rev range to experience the performance. EVs are more like go-karts. When you put your foot down, they go. 

You have to pay supercar money to get an internal combustion engine vehicle that will do 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. However, most electric vehicles come with that ability as standard, and all at a much lower price point. 

Less Dependence On International Energy Supplies

When you own an electric vehicle, you also become less dependent on international energy supplies. You aren’t so reliant on foreign oil and can tap more into the domestic energy mix. This means that if there is a crisis or prices spike for some reason, you have a level of protection. You don’t have to immediately start paying higher prices to fill up the car, like other drivers. 

Furthermore, you don’t have to go to a fuel station to give your car the juice it needs. You can simply charge it at home, as long as you have electricity. 

Tax Credits

Depending on where you live, you can also get various tax credits and incentives. Many governments offer incentives for individuals who want to purchase EVs, helping to bring down the cost further. For this reason, even if the vehicle’s sticker price seems higher, factoring in discounts could reduce the cost significantly and make the whole purchase more affordable. 

Do These Things If You Want To Avoid Buying A New Car

Depending on who you are and your unique personality and lifestyle, your car may range from a reflection of you to almost appendage-like status. Unless you live in an area where public transportation is always available and consistently on time, owning a car is likely both preferable and a necessity. That being said, who wants a car payment? In order to keep the car you have in good condition and avoid buying a new one, keep reading to learn more.

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Fix up your vehicle.

Whether your vehicle has been in an accident or has simply seen better days, you might need to find a few new parts for it. If you have a specific vehicle make and model, you will want to procure the exact parts for it, such as when you need to locate quality Ram car parts to replace old or missing ones on your vehicle. Always work with a dealer who has a good history of providing high-quality products. That way, you know you are getting what you want and need. 

Replacing damaged parts helps prolong your vehicle’s life. If some parts are dented, they are more likely to rust. When rust begins to spread on your vehicle, it can damage the integrity of the car and lead to more rust as it moves across the various parts and into the engine. You need to prevent that from occurring by replacing old parts. A bonus is that your vehicle will look better than before once the new parts from the dealer are installed.

Follow a maintenance schedule.

Even if your car’s lifespan has exceeded the manufacturer’s warranty, you still need to follow their maintenance schedule diligently. By taking good care of your vehicle and bringing it to a certified mechanic who is skilled and trained to work on your specific type of car, you will potentially add years to its lifespan.

The manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is not an arbitrary guideline; it really is a list of maintenance and service items you should adhere to. The reason is due to their expertise in the type of vehicle they produce and years of testing that help them determine how long a spark plug or fan belt tends to last on their vehicle under routine driving and regular wear and tear. In addition, a mechanic will usually notice any looming concerns during routine maintenance before they become bigger problems, such as a small crack in your engine block that is manageable now but may lead your engine to overheat down the road.

Watch this video for the ultimate car care maintenance checklist.

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Put off buying a new car by proactively maintaining the one you have. Be proactive in its care by finding parts from a vetted dealer to keep your car looking great. Stay up to date on routine vehicle maintenance to help prolong the life of your car. When you take care of your car, it will take care of you, and it will be a lot more fun that way.

Welcoming Ageing Parents into Your Home - How to Prepare for Their Move-In

If your parents are the centre of your world, it’s only natural that when they’re ageing and need a little extra help that you’d invite them to live with you. Not only do you get to make sure that they are safe, well fed and have the right medications, but it gives you that chance to spend quality time with them in the later years of their life. However, there are things you need to learn or understand before doing this, so let’s take a look at some things you need to know before having an ageing parent move in with you.

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Understand their needs

The first thing you need to do is take the time to understand what their needs will be if they move in with you. This will include any medical conditions, dietary restrictions and also any personal preferences they may have. You need to start by having an open and honest conversation about all of the above. You may even want to attend some Doctors appointments to get a better grasp on the care they need and also any medications they may have. Doing this will help you make any adjustments at home to make sure everyone involved is comfortable and happy.

Create a safe living environment

Making your home as safe as possible should be a top priority when a parent moves in. Take a look around your home for any potential hazards and make the changes as soon as possible. This might be by making sure there’s no tripping hazards like trailing cords or rugs they could trip over, and it might even mean installing grab bars in your bathroom to help them stay stable when bathing. You may even need to consider changing the flow of your home to help accommodate them. For example, if your parent struggles getting up and down the stairs, you may need to sacrifice a room downstairs to give them a bedroom without worrying about trips or falls.

Know what to do in an emergency

While your main goal here is to prevent and minimise falls or injuries, it’s also important to know what to do if something does happen. Would you know what to do if you walked in to see your parent unconscious or not breathing? Getting CPR and basic first aid training is always a good idea. Is the national cpr foundation accredited, yes. Many people make the mistake of not getting the right skills taught to them before it’s too late. So, do it sooner rather than later so that if your parent does have an accident, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Acknowledge their privacy and independence

Even though they are moving in with you, they still need their privacy. While they may need a hand with a few daily tasks, it’s important to give them privacy and allow them to have as much independence as possible. This might mean giving them a space to relax and do what they want rather than having to participate in your family’s ritual. While they may do that from time to time, having that space apart will be beneficial to everyone involved.

Discuss financial matters

It’s a difficult conversation, but it’s important to have a conversation about financial matters. This should involve talking about who is paying for any home moderations, and any contributions they’ll be making towards bills and daily living costs. Even if you’re planning on fronting the cost yourself, they may also want to contribute, and it’s important to let them as it can affect their emotional well-being. If you’re struggling with this conversation as you don’t want to let money come between you, consider using a financial advisor to help you all understand the tax implications, the costs of healthcare and any benefits you could get for extra assistance.

Have the legal and health care conversation

Another difficult conversation, but again another important one too. Taking the time to sit and have an open conversation about their wishes when it comes to their medical care, setting up a power of attorney and also their living will means that they can live out their later years in a way that they are comfortable and happy with. Make sure you listen to their wishes, and provide them with helpful feedback so that everyone is happy with the arrangement.

Communicate openly as a mixed household

Bringing a parent to live with you will mean a lot of changes for your current household. If you have children, it’s important to sit down as a mixed household and talk about the changes that are going to happen. This might mean making sure everyone has their own space for privacy, or it might mean making time each week to catch up as a family and talk about anything that might be disrupting the peace. It’s important that everyone is on board and open to being dynamic as this shift happens in your household.

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Provide them with emotional support

Ageing can be difficult as it can come with feelings like loss of independence, frustration, or even loss. It’s important to be an active listener and empathize with these feelings. Provide your parent with solutions that can help eliminate these feelings. For example, if they feel frustrated because they feel like they’re a burden, assign them with a household chore to make them needed within the household. Or, if they’re feeling lonely, help them find community groups and sessions to attend to make new friends and pursue new hobbies.

Find a way to integrate daily routines

As briefly mentioned above, it’s important to make your parent feel needed within the household. While you may already have all household chores covered by yourself or your children, integrating your parent into your daily routines while respecting their abilities will help them feel included and a valued member of the household. It also could involve including them in family outings, vacations and activities as long as they are comfortable and capable to do so. Once your daily routines are in sync, you’ll find the atmosphere a much happier place to be.

Get help from the community

While you want to help your parent as much as possible, if you have other commitments like children and a job to keep steady then you may need some help from time to time. Their Doctor may be able to help with this, but you can also reach out to the local community. There may be adult day care centres, transport services to help prevent isolation when you’re away, and also other home aides you could use to keep them happy and healthy. Look at what your local community offers and take advantage of it!

Understand the end of life process

Finally, it’s important to educate yourself about the end of life process. While they might just need a little bit of assistance now, you need to understand the stages of ageing and when their health is declining. You may have been fully prepared to have your parent live with you until the end - and that’s absolutely fine! But, you will need to discuss their preferences with them too. Talk to them about what they would like to do and where they’d like to be when the time comes. It’s not an easy conversation, but it’s an important one when it comes to giving your parent the best end of life care possible. 

You’re doing an amazing thing by providing care for your ageing parent, but make sure you make the changes needed so that everyone in your household is happy, healthy and comfortable.