I kept telling myself I was overreacting, until I wasn't.

Mum had started to seem less steady - not falling, not anything dramatic, just a little slower getting up, a little more careful on the stairs. The kind of change that's easy to explain away, right up until you can't anymore. I didn't want to wait for something to actually go wrong before I did something about it.

I'd heard Oak Tree Mobility took a no-pressure approach, and that mattered to me more than almost anything else. The last thing I wanted was to set Mum up for a sales pitch dressed up as a friendly visit - she'd have seen through that in a second, and so would I.

The man who came was warm, patient, and - this is the bit that stuck with me - he spent the first part of the visit just listening to Mum. Not talking at her about chairs. Listening. She relaxed almost immediately.

"He was like a walking, talking brochure, explaining every step clearly and simply."

He'd brought a demo chair for her to try, including the massage function, and walked her through the different reclining positions. Then he took proper measurements for a custom fit and talked us through fabric options - I had no idea there were so many choices, but he made it simple rather than overwhelming.

"He measured the room, checked how the chair would fit, and talked us through the different positions and fabric options. I had no idea there were so many choices - but he made it simple, and never once made us feel rushed."

A detail that stayed with me: the furniture is handmade in Wales. It's a small thing, but it mattered - it didn't feel like buying from a catalogue, it felt like buying something made properly, close to home.

He gave us a written quote based on exactly what Mum had chosen. When she said she wanted time to think it over, he simply left the quote on the side, giving us time to decide.

Ordering, delivery and what happened to the old chair

Mum ordered a few days later, once she'd had time to sit with the decision. Delivery was full white-glove service, and they took her old chair away and donated it to the British Heart Foundation - which felt like a nice full stop to the whole thing.

Mum has a chair she feels safe and comfortable in. And I have peace of mind I didn't have before.

"Mum ordered a few days later, and she loved the white-glove delivery. Now she's sitting comfortably and getting up safely - and that's all I wanted really."

If you're watching a parent struggle a little and wondering whether it's worth raising, honestly - book the visit. You'll likely be relieved you did.

Thinking about booking a visit for a parent?

Will it feel like a sales visit? No - the whole approach is built around listening first. There's no pressure to buy, and no follow-up chasing a decision.

Can I be there for the appointment? Yes, and it's useful to be - you can ask questions and get a second opinion on anything your parent might not think to raise themselves.

What if my parent isn't sure it's for them? That's exactly what the visit is for - there's no obligation, and a written quote is left for you both to think over in your own time.

If this sounds familiar, <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/landing-pages/request-your-home-appointment">request a free home appointment</a>&nbsp;- it's unhurried and the final decision entirely up to your parent.

Daughter smiling at her mother during an Oak tree home appointment

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I didn't want to wait for a fall: A daughter's experience of an Oak Tree Mobility home visit

My daughter noticed anyway. She always does.

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It was her idea to book a home visit from Oak Tree Mobility. My first reaction was no - not because I didn't trust her judgement, but because the thought of a stranger coming into my home, looking at me, assessing me, felt uncomfortable in a way I couldn't quite explain. I think I was worried it would feel like an admission of something.

"It's just a chat, Mum," she said. "No pressure, no obligation. If you hate it, we say thank you and that's that."

So I agreed, mostly to put her mind at ease more than my own.

A man arrived right on time, and the first thing he did - before anything about chairs, before any sort of sales talk - was take his shoes off at the door without being asked. Small thing. It put me at ease more than I expected.

We sat and had a cup of tea before we talked about anything at all. My daughter was there the whole time, which helped - not because I needed someone to speak for me, but because it was nice to have her there.

"I'd been dreading it all week, and then he just took his shoes off and asked how I liked my tea."

Eventually we got round to the chair itself. I tried it properly - sat in it, tested the controls myself, found the recline position that felt right. I genuinely didn't expect to enjoy myself, but I did.

"I didn't expect to enjoy myself, but I did."

There was no pressure to decide anything there and then. It was, just as my daughter had promised, a chat - one that happened to end with me trying out a very comfortable chair.

I'm glad I said yes. Not just because of the chair, though that's been lovely - mostly because I'd built the whole thing up into something far more daunting than it turned out to be. It was free, there was no obligation, and nobody made me feel like less of myself for needing a bit of extra support.

If you're dreading the idea of a home visit the way I was, I understand completely. But it really might just be a cup of tea and a chat.

Common questions about home demonstrations

What is a home demonstration? A home demonstration is a free visit from an Oak Tree Mobility expert, who brings a chair to your own home so you can see and try it in your own space, with no obligation to buy.

How long does a home demonstration take? Most appointments take around an hour, though there's no rush - it's your time, and nobody's watching the clock.

Do Oak Tree Mobility do home visits? Yes - home visits are free, available across the whole of the UK, and can be booked at a time that suits you.

Can you get a recliner chair as mobility furniture? Yes - rise and recline chairs are one of Oak Tree Mobility's core products, designed specifically to help with standing, sitting, and everyday comfort.

How soon can I book a home demonstration? Appointments can usually be arranged within a few days of getting in touch, depending on availability in your area.

Do you offer home delivery? Yes - delivery and installation are included as standard once you decide to go ahead.

Not sure which product is right for you? That's exactly what the home visit is for - no pressure, just a chance to talk it through and find what suits you.

Curious what a home visit is really like? [Request your free home appointment] and see for yourself.

An older woman sat with an Oak tree rep discussing the chairs she'd like to try during her home appointment

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Mum's story: How a cup of tea changed my mind about a home visit

Have you ever wondered about the common causes of insomnia in the elderly, and what – if anything – can help?&nbsp;

Many of my older clients believe that it’s inevitable that their sleep will deteriorate with age. But while this is common, you don’t have to put up with it quietly. Instead, why not question that assumption and look at what may be affecting your sleep?&nbsp;

I look forward to debunking myths and misconceptions about what to expect with sleep as you get older and sharing my tips for better rest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What are the common causes of insomnia in the elderly?&nbsp;

Lifestyle plays a big part in your sleep quality, but there are also physiological and medical reasons why insomnia can become more common with age:&nbsp;

Age-related changes to sleep drive and circadian rhythms&nbsp;

Your inner circadian clock sets all the body’s biological rhythms to roughly 24 hours. With age, the timing mechanism can become less accurate, and the distinction between feeling sleepy at night and alert during the day is less pronounced.&nbsp;

Chronic pain and other physical health conditions&nbsp;

Chronic pain can stop you from falling asleep and cause more frequent awakenings, leading to&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/interrupted-sleep-causes-effects-and-how-to-fix-disrupted-sleep-patterns" target="_blank">interrupted sleep</a>. Persistent pain and illness activate the sympathetic nervous system – the part that reacts to and&nbsp;responds to&nbsp;stress.&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;had clients become almost fearful of going to bed because they dread the wakefulness and discomfort.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The reality is that as we age,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;more likely to experience losses, traumas,&nbsp;isolation&nbsp;and loneliness as well as&nbsp;major life events. This can cause mental health problems such as clinical depression and&nbsp;anxiety,&nbsp;which, if not addressed, can lead to sleep problems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In&nbsp;a similar way&nbsp;to the situation with pain, a frustrating cycle can then ensue in which compromised mental health affects sleep and vice versa.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Certain medications and over-the-counter&nbsp;medications&nbsp;can affect your sleep quality and worsen existing symptoms of insomnia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For example, blood pressure medication – which is commonly used by seniors – can include beta blockers that lower melatonin levels and disrupt your sleep cycles.&nbsp;

A common disorder in older adults, restless legs syndrome causes an urge to move your legs, and this condition can flare up at night.&nbsp;

Sleep&nbsp;apnoea&nbsp;can also worsen with age. This disorder is when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to interrupted periods of rest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Is it normal for seniors to have insomnia?&nbsp;

Insomnia is particularly common in adults over 60, but that&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;mean it has to be part of your new normal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I encourage everyone to read my<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/a-sleep-expert-s-5-non-negotiables-for-better-sleep" target="_blank">&nbsp;five non-negotiables</a>&nbsp;to help improve your sleep and get the rest you deserve.&nbsp;

How to start relieving insomnia in seniors?&nbsp;

It’s possible to break the cycle – and sometimes just by making small changes. To discover more, check out my article about <a href="http://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/how-to-beat-insomnia-naturally" target="_blank">how to beat insomnia naturally.</a>&nbsp;

I’d also love to share how I supported one of my clients, Anna, in managing her insomnia:&nbsp;

Initially, I persuaded her to start eating a nutritious breakfast first thing in the morning. At first, she was resistant, but after a week of doing this, she woke up looking forward to breakfast.&nbsp;

Anna also stopped drinking caffeinated tea and started drinking herbal teas, went back to gardening and taking regular morning walks, and importantly, started thinking more mindfully about her <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/what-to-do-during-the-day-to-prepare-for-a-better-night-s-sleep" target="_blank">bedtime routine</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She had gotten into the habit of using her iPad in bed late at night. She even went back to her old habit of reading light, uplifting novels, which helped her fall asleep feeling safer in herself.&nbsp;

I taught her a simple breathing exercise to calm her when she woke during the night. She also stopped looking at the time, no longer worried about whether she was going to sleep, and focused on resting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even I was amazed at how quickly Anna’s sleep had improved. It took just a few weeks for her sleep to improve and for her to start feeling more energised.&nbsp;

The list might seem long and even overwhelming, but Anna found that once she’d started making a few key changes, everything else fell into place.&nbsp;

Here are some of the most unhelpful myths that stop people from sleeping:&nbsp;

I've heard the last two from so many of my older clients, and they can have such a negative impact on your nighttime sleep. Napping for too long in the evening (especially in front of the TV) reduces your sleep drive, so it’s harder to sleep at night.  &nbsp;

That’s not to say napping doesn’t have benefits. <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/napping-in-the-elderly-beneficial-or-bad-for-you">Click here to discover more.&nbsp;</a>

So, you might actually think you are watching TV, but you are more asleep than awake – and you’re depleting your brain of the vital sleep hormone melatonin, which is why you then struggle to sleep when you get into bed.&nbsp;

Challenging the way you think, can change your relationship with your sleep, so please be honest with yourself when considering these myths.&nbsp;

Other ways to get a good night's sleep&nbsp;

The key is never settling for poor sleep or thinking of it as an inevitability as you get older – there are many ways to help you rest more deeply. And of course, where you sleep matters just as much as your lifestyle and habits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That’s why I endorse Oak Tree Mobility’s <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds" target="_blank">adjustable beds</a>. Designed to give you unlimited sleeping positions, they provide optimal comfort for a restful night’s sleep. Plus, every design is completely customisable to suit your specific needs, size, and style.&nbsp;

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds" target="_blank">Discover Adjustable Beds</a>

FAQs: What causes insomnia in the elderly?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sleep can worsen as you age, but&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;accept it as an inevitability. Life events, stress, poor lifestyle choices and even what you believe about your own sleep can&nbsp;impact&nbsp;your sleep as you get older.&nbsp;

How to cure insomnia in the elderly?&nbsp;

Insomnia is treatable and can be cured. If you do feel&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;doing all the right things but still not sleeping well, I recommend visiting your GP to rule out any underlying medical conditions.&nbsp;

What medication can an elderly person take to sleep at night?&nbsp;

Natural supplements can help with insomnia, but your GP can advise whether a supplement might be helpful or whether you might need prescription medication.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What serious illness could insomnia be a symptom of?&nbsp;

Insomnia can be caused by mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, as well as chronic pain, sleep apnoea, thyroid conditions, heart&nbsp;failure&nbsp;and dementia.&nbsp;

1. <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/a-sleep-expert-s-5-non-negotiables-for-better-sleep">A sleep expert's 5 non-negotiables for better sleep</a>

2. <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/6-ways-to-get-disruption-free-sleep">6 ways to get disruption-free sleep</a>

3. <a href="http://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/how-to-beat-insomnia-naturally">How to beat insomnia naturally</a>

4. <a href="https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/adults/sleep-disorders/insomnia/">The Sleep Charity - Insomnia</a>

5. <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insomnia/">NHS - Insomnia</a>

Ariel view of an older woman sat on her bed holding a glass of water after struggling to sleep

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What causes insomnia in the elderly? 

How long does a recliner last? Why our chairs are built to endure

How to choose the best living room chair for good posture

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What is a perching stool, and who is it for?

What is a self-propelled wheelchair? Benefits and uses

What is a transfer board, and how does it work?

How to start decluttering when overwhelmed, even with reduced mobility 

Why is reading good for you as you age?

From an early age, Emma has always used her creativity to help others. From creating visual displays in St. Pilgrims Hospice charity shops during her Fine Art degree, to using social media to support sustainable initiatives, her focus has always been the same – to empower and uplift.

Her career has taken her through the worlds of fashion, skincare, and even speciality coffee, but the common thread throughout has always been helping people live happier lives.

Now working at Oak Tree Mobility as a Copywriter, Emma brings her passion for words and creative sensibility to help make a difference to those who need it most.

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