8 practical steps to caring for a loved one at home

Caring for a loved one at home is a rewarding but often challenging responsibility. Whether you’re providing full-time support or helping with daily tasks, it’s important to have a clear plan in place to ensure their comfort, safety, and well-being. This guide covers key areas to help you navigate home care effectively.

How to provide the best care at home

1. Assess their needs

Understanding your loved one’s specific needs is the first step in providing the right level of care.

• Health and medical needs – Consult healthcare professionals to discuss medical conditions, medications, and treatment plans.
• Daily living activities – Assess their ability to manage tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility to determine where support is needed.

2. Create a personalised care plan

A structured plan helps maintain consistency in care and ensures nothing is overlooked.

• Medical support – Keep track of medication schedules, doctor’s appointments, and therapy sessions.
• Personal care – Arrange assistance for hygiene, dressing, and toileting as needed.
• Nutrition and hydration – Plan balanced meals that meet dietary needs and encourage hydration.
• Physical activity – Encourage light exercise, as advised by a healthcare professional, to maintain mobility and well-being.

3. Make the home safe

Creating a safe environment is essential for preventing falls and accidents.

• Home adaptations – Install grab bars, remove trip hazards, improve lighting, and ensure easy access to key areas.
• Emergency preparedness – Consider personal alarm systems or fall detectors to alert help quickly when needed.

4. Plan for legal and financial needs

Sorting out legal and financial matters early can help avoid stress later.

• Legal documents – Ensure power of attorney, wills, and advance care directives are in place.
• Financial planning – Explore care funding options, including local authority support and benefits your loved one may be entitled to.

5. Access support and professional help

You don’t have to do it alone—there are many resources available to help.

• Local authority services – Your local council can assess eligibility for funded home care support.
• Charities and support groups – Organisations like Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Carers UK provide guidance and emotional support.
• Professional home care – Hiring trained carers through a home care provider can ease the burden and ensure high-quality support.

6. Look after yourself too

Caring for someone else can be physically and emotionally demanding, so self-care is vital.

• Emotional support – Connect with support groups, friends, or professional counselling to share experiences and seek advice.
• Physical well-being – Make time for rest, proper nutrition, and medical check-ups to maintain your own health.

7. Use technology to make life easier

Innovative tools can support both you and your loved one in managing daily care.

• Home monitoring systems – Devices like fall detectors, automated medication dispensers, and remote monitoring systems offer extra peace of mind.
• Communication tools – Video calls and social apps can help your loved one stay socially connected.

8. Stay flexible and review care regularly

Care needs can change over time, so regular reviews help ensure the right support is always in place.

• Ongoing assessments – Monitor health and mobility changes, and adjust care accordingly.
• Family feedback – Keep an open dialogue with your loved one and other family members to ensure their needs are met effectively.

Providing care at home can be a fulfilling experience, but it’s important to seek help when needed and take care of your own well-being too. If you need additional support, District Health is here to help - get in touch to learn more about our home care services.