health and fitness: I’m worried about my sister, who is in her 90s and lives alone

vendredi 2 octobre 2015

I’m worried about my sister, who is in her 90s and lives alone

I’m her only family, but am in my 80s so visiting her is getting more difficult. What are her options for care or housing? Annalisa Barbieri advises a reader

I am in my 80s and my sister is in her 90s. I am her main carer and only other family member. I visit her several times a week using public transport, a round trip that takes two to three hours. I am happy to do this, but it is getting harder as I get older. I am also growing more concerned for my sister. Although she is fairly sprightly, she has fallen over once but, thankfully, was found quickly. She has an alarm to wear around her neck but doesn’t always put it on.

She lives alone in a large house. She has lots of lovely neighbours who look out for her but I still worry. I have suggested a paid carer, but she will not entertain this. I have my own family so cannot move in with her and we do not have the space to have her with us.