Living Independently in Sussex – A Guide to Options Available

Living Independently in Sussex – A Guide to Options Available

As we get older it can become more and more difficult to continue living independently at home, as basic, everyday tasks can start to require more effort. Often, elderly people don’t feel ready to move into a care home right away, or may not even need to as there are some great middle-ground options to consider.

Age Space has put together the following guide to suggest some alternatives that will allow your elderly relative to continue living at home independently for as long as possible in Sussex.

Downsizing in Sussex

Reducing the size of your elderly relative’s home will allow for an easier, independent life by removing some of the more difficult daily tasks. These can range from having to deal with a large amount of gardening and cleaning, to simply having to use the stairs.

Downsizing in Sussex

Moving house can also give your relative the chance to free up some capital for use on care needs in the future, as well as offering the opportunity to move closer to important amenities or family members. When you’re planning this kind of move, it’s really important to be thinking in a long term way so that the process doesn’t need to be repeated. This can mean taking things like transport links, local shops, access to care and potential social activities into account.

You can find some more of Age Space’s general tips for downsizing here.

NHS Health Services

NHS hospitals Sussex One of the most important aspects to consider when planning a move for your elderly relative is the accessibility of healthcare services. You can take a look at Age Space’s guide to Elderly Care Services in Sussex to get a good idea of what is available across the two counties.

Transport Links

Additionally, it is well worth looking into local transport links when considering options of where your elderly relative could move to, especially if they are no longer driving. The websites for East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council have great resources for taking a look at public transport timetables in their respective counties:

Additionally, Age Space has two other guides for transport in Sussex that will be worth taking into account:

Home Care Services in Sussex

Home Care Services in Suffolk can offer a great method of supporting your elderly relative to stay independent ay home, whilst getting some help with tasks around the house that may have become more difficult. These could include tidying, washing up, cooking and more.

You can visit Age Space’s Home Care Directories for East & West Sussex using the links below to find a service that is most suitable for you and your relative.

Sheltered Housing in Sussex

Sheltered Housing gives your relative the ability to live independently, whilst assuring you that they’re in a safe and supportive environment. Their new home will be in a complex of flats and houses that are all occupied by people of similar ages.

Estate Managers will be on site to check up on your elderly relative during the day time, but they won’t provide care. There will also usually be a communal area, such as a café for residents to socialise and get to know each other.

Sheltered Housing Options in Sussex

Prior to applying for a sheltered housing property, your relative will likely need to have a care needs assessment carried out, to find out if they are suited to the scheme. You can take a look at Age Space’s guide to getting a Care Needs Assessment in Sussex for more information.

There are plenty of sheltered housing schemes across Sussex. You can find te one most suited to your relative by following the links below and exploring the options available:

Retirement Homes in Sussex

Retirement homes have a lot in common with sheltered housing, but offer less independence and more communal spaces. Whereas sheltered housing offers the opportunity for people to have their own house or flat, retirement homes will usually allow them to rent a room or small apartment within a wider building. They also differ from nursing homes due to offering less medical care to residents.

Just like sheltered housing, your relative is likely to need care needs assessment results and a health check from a GP before they can be accepted.

You can use HousingCare.org to search your local area for care home options.