What is home help?
Friendly, respective home help from trusted Care Professionals, helping older people to stay safe in their own home, and maintain a pleasant environment that supports their wellbeing.
What is home help?
Everyone needs help at home sometimes, but for older people, household chores become tougher with age due to dexterity or mobility issues. An NHS health survey found 24% of men and 28% of women aged 65+ needed help with at least one daily activity, so home help offers a practical service for those who still enjoy life at home, but need a little extra support with things like:
- Cleaning
- Running errands or shopping
- Laundry
- Preparing food
- Dusting
- Changing bed linens
- Feeding pets
- And more
Assistance from a friendly caregiver could help older adults feel more comfortable at home. Although home care usually involves things like personal care or medical needs, home help is a more general form of support focused on maintaining a clean, tidy and safe home.
What are the benefits of home help for older adults?
Home help can feel like a huge relief for older people who have been undertaking strenuous activities alone. This supports them in staying in their familiar, comfortable home for longer, and provides emotional support for those struggling mentally with the idea of losing independence. Home help can reduce their stress levels and foster a sense of pride in their home which helps them feel safe, comfortable, and ready to socialise with loved ones.
A 2023 studyfound that doing housework can positively impact health, so home help isn’t about completely removing an older person’s independence; this service can be as hands-on or as light-touch as they feel is best, and the caregiver will always respect the person’s preferences and routines.
Do I need home help?
It can be tricky to know the right time to bring in home help, especially when you have managed by yourself for years. This may take some self-reflection to find what would make the biggest impact on your life, and it helps to speak to loved ones who may notice other areas where your quality of life could be improved. You may consider home help if you struggle with daily activities like cooking meals, vacuuming, walking the dog, or any other household tasks that cause you physical strain.
Whether you feel the time is right or not, studies find that decluttering helps older people retain a sense of control over their life as they age, so some help at home could be a positive investment in your wellbeing no matter your current abilities.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
Are you in need of a little guidance right away?
03300 583450Are you in need of a little guidance right away?
03300 583450
I am very happy with the support, care and kindness I receive from all the staff of Home Instead.B.M, Client
Home Instead have been looking after my father for a few years now, without them we would not be able to manage having him living in his own home. They are always bright and cheerful and Dad enjoys seeing them.Bridget, Clients Family
I have had my care from Home Instead for almost ten years and things just keep getting better. I can’t praise them enough.Kevan, Client
Get in touch today to
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How to get started arranging home help
If you feel that implementing home help could make a positive difference in your life by reducing stress and physical strain, then getting started with a service is usually very simple. It’s easy to find a local cleaning service online, however, having professional home help from a trusted caregiver is often the best option as they can provide additional benefits such as companionship, personal care (if needed), medication management and more.
By starting with one of our dedicated, experienced Care Professionals, you can gradually increase the service of our flexible caregivers over time as your needs progress. We always focus on providing home help that fits into your regular routine, and can be delivered exactly as you want it to be.
Why Home Instead?
Our friendly Care Professionals and helpful office staff offer support for whatever type of care you need, and we are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). We always pay great attention when pairing clients with a caregiver who matches their interests, respects their way of doing things, and can be flexible to support their growing needs.
Whether you would like a caregiver to take over all home tasks, or you would prefer to maintain some tasks on your own, our Care Professionals are ready to chat about your ideal home help routine. We understand there’s no place like home, so our home help ensures you feel safe, happy and comfortable in yours.
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FAQs
What is home help?
Home help refers to professional support services provided to individuals in their own homes to assist with daily tasks and activities. It is designed to help people maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and stay in the comfort of their own homes. Home help from our Care Professionals can include assistance with cleaning, cooking, shopping, personal care, and more.
Who can benefit from home help services?
Home help services are ideal for older adults, individuals with disabilities, those recovering from surgery or illness, or anyone who needs extra support with daily living tasks. It’s particularly beneficial for people who want to remain at home but require assistance to do so safely and comfortably.
What tasks can home help cover?
Home help can include a wide range of tasks, such as:
- Household Chores: Cleaning, laundry, and tidying up.
- Meal Preparation: Cooking and ensuring proper nutrition.
- Shopping: Grocery shopping or running errands.
- Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Companionship: Providing social interaction and emotional support.
The specific tasks can be tailored to the individual’s needs.
How is home help different from home care?
While both home help and home care provide support at home, they differ in focus:
- Home Help: Primarily focuses on non-medical tasks like housekeeping, meal prep, and errands.
- Home Care: Includes more specialised support, such as personal care, medication management, and assistance with mobility or medical needs.
At Home Instead we offer a combination of both services to meet a wide range of needs.
How do I arrange home help services?
To arrange home help services, just get in touch with Home Instead and explain what kind of support you need. We’ll work with you to assess your individual situation and match you or your loved one with a qualified Care Professional who can address your needs.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.