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Home care
Find out about care at home, adaptations and technology to help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
Home care near you
Use our directory to find local home care agencies anywhere across the UK.
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Carers & caring
Learn about the benefits, support and rights you have as a carer to help you through this difficult time.
Cost of care and eligibility in England
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Care costs in your area
Financing care
Learn about funding options for home care, home adaptations and care homes, together with Attendance Allowance, gifting assets and Power of Attorney.
Cost of care and eligibility in England
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Care costs in your area
Housing options
Consider your options and learn about sheltered housing, retirement villages and care homes.
Care homes and support at home near you
Use our directory to find local care homes, home care agencies and carer support services across the UK.
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End of life
Guidance on the practical and emotional aspects at the end of life, from planning end of life care to arranging a funeral and coping with bereavement.
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Independence in the home

There are many changes you can make to ensure your home is safe and suitable to your needs as you get older. Use our guide to help you.

Kitchen safety

7 min read

Everyday kitchen tasks can become much harder in later life. We identify a range of products to help, with guidance on easy ways to prepare your food.

Kitchen utensils

4 min read

Make small adjustments to the kitchen cupboard and to everyday kitchen utensils, you’ll be able to safely continue cooking and eating what you enjoy.

Kitchen appliances

5 min read

Making a few small adjustments to your kitchen appliances to ensure they suit your needs can make a big difference to your confidence in the kitchen.

Bathroom safety

3 min read

If you’re finding the bathroom hard to navigate, there are many products and adaptations you can make so it’s safer and easier to use.

Bath seats, boards and mats

6 min read

Are you finding bathing or showering more of a challenge? You may find additional support useful, such as a bath board, step, bench, seat or a mat.

Additional bathing aids

2 min read

From bath cushions to body dryers, we outline simple bath aids that can help make washing easier for those with mobility difficulties.

Bath lifts and hoists

5 min read

If getting into and out of the bath is challenging, a bath lift or hoist could help. Find out what’s available and what to consider before buying.

Safety around the home

8 min read

Use our checklists as a starting point to think about the basic safety aspects of your home – such as lighting, heating, power sockets and furniture.

Stair safety

3 min read

Read our guidance on avoiding common hazards on stairs and stairways, as well as tips on how to reduce the risk of falls on the stairs.

Bedroom safety

6 min read

Find out about useful equipment to help you get into and out of bed, such as bed risers, bed rails and leg lifts, plus tips on checking bed height.

Dressing tips for people with special requirements

2 min read

How to make dressing easier when you’re caring for someone, with dressing tips for partially sighted people and those living with dementia.

Teeth, hair and nail care

4 min read

Daily routines, such as brushing hair or teeth, can become tricky in later life. We show you how to make it easier, with tips on helping others wash their hair.

Choosing the right chair

5 min read

We explain why it’s important to sit comfortably and be able to rise easily from a chair, especially as we get older and spend more time sitting down.

Checklist for sitting properly

3 min read

Guidance on how to tell if you’re sitting correctly with your spine well supported, and how to deal with chairs that are too low, too high or too deep.

Home security

3 min read

Read about ways to improve general home security, including tips on using a key safe and ensuring doorbells, locks and lighting are fit for purpose.

Keeping warm in cold weather

3 min read

We reveal our top tips to help you stay warm and comfortable during periods of cold weather.

Top tips to avoid becoming cold

4 min read

Find out why we feel colder as we get older and why it’s important to keep warm, with guidance on how to maintain your body temperature.

Keeping cool in warm weather

4 min read

We look at how to keep cool during warm weather, and ways to reduce the risk of heat-related health problems, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Top tips to avoid becoming too warm

2 min read

It’s important for older people to keep cool in warm weather. From keeping hydrated to finding the right bedding, we explain how to stay cool at home.

Real-life stories
Susan's story
MANCHESTER
Susan and Linda’s mother has vascular dementia, but at 95 still lives at home – read their story.
Diane's story
57 | PINNER
Read Diane’s story about caring for her father, Jim, who has reduced mobility after a stroke and needed some help to stay independent at home.
See more real-life stories
Find out how much care costs
Use our calculator to find out how much you'll pay for care in your area and what financial support is available.

Further reading

Falls prevention

If your loved one has had a fall, there are things you can do to reduce the chances of it happening again.

Home care options

If you’re finding it difficult to wash or get dressing, home care can provide the extra support that you need.

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