Celebrating Life and Home Lilians Story on International Day of Older Persons
- kirstiekalonji
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
Today we take a moment to celebrate older persons and the lives they have lived. Lilian Douse will be 84 this November. Her daughter Elaine Flynn, who works with us at PROCare, supports her every day and knows just how important her home is.
Lilian has lived in the same house for decades. It was initially rented by her mother in law during the war and later purchased by Lilian herself. Elaine and her younger sister were born there. The house is full of memories and connections, and for Lilian, leaving it is not an option. She loves her neighbourhood, her bingo nights, the Women's Institute, and everything that feels familiar.
The house does have its challenges. The stairs are narrow and dark, and although she has used a stairlift for years, it takes up a lot of space and can be awkward for anyone else moving around. Elaine hopes that one day her mum might find a retirement or extra care home nearby that she would enjoy, but Lilian is determined to stay where she is. "More accessible homes would be helpful in supporting the older people in our lives," Elaine says.
In the meantime, PROCare has helped make her home safer. They have installed Invisible Creations grab rails in key areas like doors, steps, and entrance points to make moving around easier and safer. Simple changes like this can make a big difference, helping older people maintain their independence and confidence in their own homes.
The reality is that the UK has a growing ageing population but not enough accessible homes or social housing options that allow people to stay near their communities and loved ones. Many older people face hard choices because there are few homes that meet their needs.
Lilian’s life and home are full of warmth and memories. She has raised her family in a house that has supported her and created a lifetime of connections. On this International Day of Older Persons, we celebrate her life and highlight the importance of supporting older people with accessible housing, home adaptations, and inclusive design. Every older person deserves to live safely, comfortably, and independently in a home they love.