Support for elderly couples at home
Bespoke home care for couples from friendly Care Professionals who manage everything from day-to-day tasks to complex care needs, so couples can stay together at home.
What is support for couples?
For older couples, it may become more difficult for one or both partners to manage at home. Support for couples enables older partners to remain together in the home they know and love, and avoid moving to a care home. This can also avoid one partner becoming dependent on the other and putting strain on a relationship. Support may include tasks like:
- Personal care (getting washed and dressed)
- Home help and meal preparation
- Continence care if needed
- Overnight care to avoid one partner losing sleep due to care needs
- Mobility support for those with conditions like arthritis
- Specialist care for conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s or cancer
- Respite care for spousal carers
- Live-in care for those who need more frequent support
Why is support needed for older couples?
If one partner starts to need more assistance with daily tasks or to manage a health condition, this often requires a move to a care home, which could cause distress for couples who would prefer to stay together. Research suggests 86% of people aged 66-74, and 91% of people over 75, prefer to be treated at home if they fall ill, highlighting a need for home care options to empower older couples to remain at home.
Alternatively, if one partner is no longer able to care for themselves, the other may naturally take on the role of caregiver, which can be physically and emotionally demanding. Studies show the impact spousal caregiving can have on relationship dynamics, and further research shows 79% of carers feel stressed.
How do I know if my partner and I need support?
Many older couples prefer to remain at home, even if one or both partners requires care. Support for couples can provide practical assistance, and could be especially useful for those who need:
- Several different types of care
- Regular medication management (particularly if this could result in wrong doses)
- Complex care for conditions like dementia or Parkinson’s
- Tricky care needs like stoma or catheter management
- 24/7 care for more intense needs
Getting support at home could also help to avoid the often expensive costs of a care home, particularly if both partners require care.
Support for couples could remove some of the demand from older adults who may become physically or emotionally stretched by looking after their partner.
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 583450Other non-care-related enquiries
Home Instead have an experienced caring team that far exceeds in quality anything we experienced from other agencies at this point of service.
Steve, Client
Knowing that mum has caring and genuine people to help take care of her gives me peace of mind and mum looks forward to seeing the Care Professionals. Thank you for making such a big difference to both of our lives.
Rebecca, Client's Family
As I got older, I realised that this service had made me happy in my own home.
Elisie, Client
Get in touch today to
see how we can help
Get in touch How to get started arranging support at home
If you feel ready to discuss bringing in a home carer to help you and your partner in everyday life, our experienced, friendly Care Professionals can offer the personalised care you need, with a focus on flexibility so you can maintain as much control of the process as you would like. Whether you want to start with one day of respite care a week to give you both a break, or you think live-in care could be best for your situation, we can help.
Our helpful team takes time to make sure you are completely comfortable with your Care Professional, and that they match your interests and respect the way you like things done at home. If you want to get started with support at home for you and your partner, reach out to our friendly team.
Why Home Instead?
We understand that even as you both age and your needs change, you may still want to live in your own home with the person you have spent your life with. Our compassionate Care Professionals make this possible with flexible and bespoke home care options that suit you.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Whether you need daily personal care support, help around the house, pet care, specialist care for a challenging health condition or something else, our Care Professionals can offer a combination of care services to fit the exact needs of you and your partner.
FAQs
- How can a home care service support elderly couples who wish to stay together at home?
A home care service like ours helps elderly couples maintain their independence while staying together in the comfort of their own home. Services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each partner, including personalised care plans, assistance with daily tasks, and emotional support. The goal is to enable couples to continue sharing their lives with dignity and ease.
- What services are included in at-home care for elderly couples?
Services can be customised to suit each couple’s requirements, such as:
- Help with personal care, like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Meal planning and preparation that accommodates both partners’ preferences and dietary needs.
- Assistance with household tasks such as cleaning and laundry.
- Health monitoring and medication management for one or both individuals.
- Social and emotional support to promote well-being and companionship.
- Can home care provide support if one partner needs more assistance than the other?
Yes. Home care services are fully adaptable, meaning a Care Professional can provide more intensive support for one partner while offering lighter assistance to the other. This ensures both individuals receive the right level of care without compromising their independence or relationship dynamics.
- How does home care promote independence for elderly couples?
Home care is designed to empower couples to continue living life on their own terms. By offering just the right amount of assistance with daily tasks, Care Professionals help couples manage their household, maintain routines, and stay engaged in activities they enjoy. Care plans are flexible and adjusted as the couple’s needs evolve.
- Why choose at-home care for elderly couples instead of residential care?
At-home care allows couples to remain in familiar surroundings, preserving their privacy and cherished memories together. It eliminates the stress of separating or adjusting to a new living arrangement, while personalised care ensures both partners’ needs are met while maintaining their shared lifestyle and overall wellness.
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.