Tailored Adventures for seniors: Things to do in London with Elderly Parents

Tailored Adventures for seniors: Things to do in London with Elderly Parents

Victoria
Victoria

6 Mins Read

London offers a wide range of activities that cater to various interests and mobility levels, making it a great destination for all ages, including elderly parents. The adult dependent relative visa is an easy way to bring your elderly relative or parents to London. With the adult dependent relative visa, you can bring your overseas relatives, whether they are your mother-in-law, brother, sister, mother, father, etc. With the sponsored visa, they can reside in London, and there are also multiple things to do in London with elderly parents.

In the event that an elderly parent is successful in obtaining an Adult Dependent Relative visa, they may be eligible for staying in the country indefinitely if the caregiver is British (a UK visa is issued to parents of British citizens), Irish, or has settled status in the UK (as defined by the EU Settlement Scheme or Indefinite Leave to Remain). Here are some suggestions for things to do in London with elderly parents:

Museum Visits

  • The British Museum: Explore its extensive collection and enjoy the comfortable seating areas.
  • Victoria and Albert Museum: Wander through art and design exhibitions.
  • The National Gallery: Admire famous artworks in a calm environment.
  • River Thames Cruise:
  • Take a relaxing boat cruise along the Thames, offering stunning views of iconic landmarks.

Parks and Gardens

  • Hyde Park: Enjoy a leisurely stroll or take a boat ride on the Serpentine.
  • Kew Gardens: Explore the beautiful botanical gardens at a gentle pace.
  • West End Shows:
  • Attend a matinee performance of a West End show for some entertainment.

Historic Sites

  • Tower of London: Explore the history and enjoy the Crown Jewels exhibition.

Westminster Abbey

  • Admire the architecture and historical significance.

Afternoon Tea

  • Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at one of London’s renowned tea rooms.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours

  • Explore the city’s landmarks at a relaxed pace with the convenience of hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

Shopping

  • Stroll through charming shopping districts like Covent Garden or explore famous department stores like Harrods.

Cultural Performances

  • Attend a classical music concert or a ballet performance.

Accessible Sightseeing

  • Consider using open-top buses with wheelchair accessibility for a comfortable city tour.

Themed Gardens and Parks

  • Visit the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park or the Japanese Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.

Cafes and Pubs

  • Relax in cozy cafes or traditional pubs for a leisurely meal and people-watching.

Tours

  • Join guided tours that accommodate various mobility levels, such as bus tours or accessible walking tours.

Science Museum

  • Explore the Science Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and fascinating displays.

Boat Trip to Greenwich

  • Take a boat trip to Greenwich, explore the Royal Observatory, and enjoy the maritime history.

How to get Adult Dependant Relative Visa for Elderly Parents?

There are several requirements that are needed to get an adult dependent relative visa for your elderly parent. The following are the mandatory things for the visa:

  1. Sponsors of parents coming to the UK must be citizens of the UK or Ireland, or they must already be residents.
  2. The elderly parent entering the UK must be competent to prove that they require long-term care for everyday activities and that treatment is not readily available or reasonably priced in their country of origin.
  3. Enough money and appropriate housing exist to assist the individual traveling to the UK without requiring government assistance.

It is quite challenging for the person who is sponsoring for the visa because he/she must provide authentic documents that state that the elderly person need proper care, which is not present in the country they are residing in. So for that reason, they (elderly parent) want to move to the UK for better care and treatment. Without the evidence, the Home Office will refuse your application, and you will struggle to bring your parents to London.

Required Documents for Adult Dependent Relative Visa

Several pieces of evidence and documentation are needed for Adult Dependent Relative visa applications, including (but not limited to):

  1. A legitimate travel ID or your passport as of right now.
  2. The ethnicity and date of birth of the person applying.
  3. Proof of the individual providing the care’s ethnicity, residency, EU pre-settled or established status, refugee status, or protection from persecution.
  4. Evidence of the applicant’s association with the UK resident, such as a birth certificate.
  5. Proof that the applicant cannot get the kind of care they require in their nation of origin (such as a letter from the doctor who treats them or from an expert attesting to the unavailability of such care).
  6. Proof that the applicant’s home nation is unable to finance the type of care needed (e.g., a letter outlining a breakdown of expected expenses and bank statements to prove this is not feasible).
  7. Proof that the caregiver has enough housing and money to cater to the applicant without having to apply for government funding (such as a floor plan of the home the applicant will be living in that details the quantity, size, purpose, and kind of rooms, or bank records demonstrating adequate savings or income). Results of a tuberculosis test (only necessary for citizens of selected nations).
  8. An authentically translated document that is not written in English or Welsh.

It is advised to check your documents properly before submitting them to the Home Office. If you are doubtful about the document you will be submitting to bring your parents over 65 years old to the UK, then make it reviewed by an immigration solicitor so that you can enjoy everything with your elderly parents in London.

Denied Adult Dependent Relative Visa for Parents

You have to be prepared for any kind of possibility because it can happen that the Home Office denied/refused your elderly parent’s visa. It can be justified by the applicant’s constitutional right to private and family life as guaranteed by Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In that case, there may be grounds for an appeal. There are multiple reasons under which the visa can be denied, including:

  1. If the Home Office gets to know that the person can get perfect care in their home country, then the visa can be rejected.
  2. If the applicant has provided incomplete documents regarding the treatment, in that case the visa can be denied.
  3. If the person who is supposed to provide aid to the applicant does not have enough lodging or money, then the visa can be refused.

Due to the extremely high standard of suitability for the Adult Dependent Relative Visa, the Home Office will deny an application if you don’t have enough documentation to show that all requirements have been met. If an adult dependent relative visa application is denied, the denial letter will include whether the applicant has a legal right. If not, they can nonetheless ask for an Administrative Review (AR) if they think the Home Office made an oversight. As a substitute, you might be able to contest the legal grounds for the denial by filing an application for a Judicial Review (JR).

Alternatives to bring your Elderly Parents to UK

People sometimes struggle to bring their parents or relatives to UK because they might not have reached to the legal standard of the Home Office. If you know that your elderly parent is really sick and needs your love, care, and proper treatment then there are others way that can make the process easy. In other words you can say there are other visa routes that can be considered legal so they are mentioned below:

 

FAQs

  1. What are some quiet and relaxed places to visit in London?

Consider visiting parks like Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens for a peaceful stroll. Museums such as the British Museum often have quiet areas, and afternoon tea at a cozy café can be a relaxing experience.

  1. Are there any cultural performances suitable for elderly visitors?

Yes, London offers classical music concerts, ballet performances, and theater shows with earlier start times, making them suitable for elderly visitors who prefer daytime activities.

  1. Are there any special considerations for dietary preferences or restrictions in London?

London is diverse, and many restaurants accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions. Inform the staff about any specific dietary needs when making reservations.

  1. How can we make the most of our visit without getting too tired?

Plan your itinerary with breaks, prioritise must-see attractions, and consider shorter visits to museums. Use public transportation strategically and take advantage of guided tours to minimise walking.

  1. What’s the best way to get around London for elderly visitors?

Public transportation, including buses and the London Underground, is generally accessible. Taxis are also readily available. Consider using a Visitor Oyster card for convenient and discounted travel.