Care At Home

Overview

Care at home means getting the help you need with your health and daily activities while staying in your own home. It can be short-term, like after an operation, or long-term, if you have a health condition that needs ongoing support.

Yes. Many people — especially older adults — receive some form of care at home at some point.

It can affect people of any age. You might need it after an injury or surgery, or if you live with a long-term condition such as dementia, diabetes, or heart disease.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Needing help with bathing, dressing, or eating
• Frequent falls or losing balance at home
• Forgetting to take medication or manage daily tasks
• Feeling unsafe or unable to manage alone

Symptoms in children

• A child with a fever or minor illness can often be cared for at home with rest and fluids
• Signs that a child needs closer observation include high temperature, unusual fussiness, or not drinking enough

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or memory problems interfering with daily life
• Difficulty walking or getting out of bed
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies

Causes

Main causes

• Ageing and frailty
• Recovery after surgery or injury
• A new or long-term illness, such as stroke, dementia, or chronic lung disease
• Disability, whether present from birth or developed later
• An unexpected fall or accident that makes daily tasks harder

Risk factors

• Being over 70 years old
• Living alone
• Having multiple long-term health conditions
• Recent hospital admission
• Lack of support from family or community

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your local emergency number if the person has chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, or heavy bleeding.
• Seek same-day care if there is a high fever, new confusion, spreading infection, or uncontrolled pain.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice changes in the ability to manage day-to-day tasks.
• Ask for a care assessment if you feel the current support is not enough or is unsafe.
• Speak with a GP if you are a caregiver and feel exhausted or overwhelmed.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider, such as a GP or a nurse, will assess the person’s health, daily living needs, and home environment. This may happen at home or in the clinic.

Tests that may be done

• Physical examination
• Blood tests or other tests based on underlying conditions
• Review of medications
• Functional assessment – like walking, dressing, or preparing meals
• Risk assessment for falls

What to expect at your appointment

The assessment is a conversation, not a pass or fail. You will be asked about your daily routines, support network, and any worries. Together, you will build a care plan that fits your life and goals.

Treatment

Care at home is not a single treatment. It is a plan that may combine practical help, medical care, therapies, and equipment to help you live safely and well.

Self-care at home

• Keep a regular routine for meals, medication, and sleep.
• Make the home safer by clearing clutter, removing loose rugs, and improving lighting.
• Plan ahead for who to call if you need help.
• Encourage small physical activities, according to what the person can manage.

Medical treatments

Treatments depend on the underlying condition. They may include nursing care such as wound dressing, physical or occupational therapy, or monitoring of long-term conditions. Your healthcare team will explain each step. Never change or stop prescribed treatments without speaking to a qualified provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not part of care at home. However, if surgery is planned, home care may help with recovery afterwards.

Living with this condition

Living with care at home means adapting your surroundings and schedule. It helps to share duties with family or paid carers, keep a written plan, and allow extra time for daily tasks.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain social contact with friends, family, or online communities.
• Keep doing hobbies you enjoy, at your own pace.
• Take short walks or do seated exercises if recommended.
• Use assistive devices like handrails, shower chairs, or walking aids.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, protein, and fluids. If weight is a concern, speak to a dietitian. Gentle exercise, as advised by a healthcare professional, helps maintain strength and balance.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being cared for at home — or caring for someone — can feel lonely or stressful. It is normal to feel sad or frustrated at times. Talk about your feelings and seek help if low mood persists. If you or someone you support feels in crisis or has thoughts of self-harm, call your local emergency number or a crisis helpline right away.

Prevention

Not all reasons for needing care at home can be prevented, but you can reduce the risk by staying physically active, managing long-term conditions, and making your home safer.

Vaccines

Getting recommended vaccinations — like flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia — can prevent serious infections that might otherwise require hospital care.

Screening programmes

Keep up with health screenings such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol, and cancer screening recommended by your healthcare provider.

Complications

If left untreated

• Increased risk of falls and injuries
• Worsening of long-term health conditions
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Caregiver burnout and exhaustion

Long-term outlook

With proper support, many people live well at home for many years. Early assessment and a good care plan make a real difference in safety, comfort, and quality of life.

Find support

International organisations

• UK National Health Service (NHS) ↗

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