Website Dedicated To Caring For Elderly Parents Launches In Sussex

Research shows that over three million people in the UK have to juggle caring for a loved one with their busy career and a survey carried out by Carer’s UK showed that two out of five workers who are carers were up to £20,000 worse off per year as a result.

Age Space is the online community for anyone concerned about ageing parents or relatives, has today launched a bespoke site dedicated to Brighton & Hove, East and West Sussex.

The counties have the highest percentage of over 85s anywhere in England. Brighton & Hove alone has approximately 35,600 people aged 65+, which is increasing every year; and the older population of West Sussex (183,969 in 2014) is expected to rise by 65% by 2039.

Age Space Founder, Annabel James (54), developed the website after her Mother had a stroke and she found it hard to find information, or to know what to do, for the best to support her Mum’s long stay in hospital and recovery.

‘Keeping Mum’, research commissioned by Age Space, found that more than half (54%) of Britons aged between 45 and 64 give practical, financial, health or personal care to at least one parent.

These concerns are taking their toll, with over half (53%) of respondents in the ‘Keeping Mum’ report stating that supporting their parents is negatively affecting their wellbeing and 26% said that they didn’t know where to start looking for advice 

Others compared it to the single most stressful life event with moving to a new house, changing schools and getting divorced.

Age Space aims to make it easier for those who are concerned about their parent’s care providing all the trusted information they need, in one place. At www.agespace.org people can find practical, up-to-date guidance on all aspects of supporting elderly parents, including health and stages of care, finance and legal matters, all specifically tailored to the Sussex area. It is the only website of its kind helping the seven million adults currently caring for, or supporting their elderly parents (Age UK, 2017).

Age Space also has a friendly online forum where users can ask questions and share experiences with like-minded people. There is also an online directory of contact information for relevant local services, businesses and charities.

Annabel James, Founder of Age Space said: “Our research shows the need for much better information and support for the generation that has the responsibility of ‘parenting their parent’.

“This is a major issue for employers, communities and families, and one which we need to confront collectively to ensure that our ageing population receives the very best care.

“When suddenly finding yourself responsible for the care of a relative, it’s natural for you to feel worried and not know what to do. Age Space is there for you to make this difficult time easier by providing practical, localised information to ensure that our ageing population receives the very best care.”

The Age Space website also features specialist content written by experts from Age Space’s partners Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP, Leaders Estate Agents alongside advice from charities who support the older generation which include Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, Impact Initiatives and Action on Elder Abuse.

If you would like more information or help with caring for an elderly parent go to www.agespace.org or join the Forum which can assist with any dilemmas you may have.

To become a partner or official supporter, please contact Annabel directly by emailing annabel.james@agespace.org.