Live well at home

Your guide to living safely and confidently in your own home, with practical tips and local support.

Contents

Your personal care

Personal care is about looking after your hygiene, dressing, and appearance, so you can stay safe, comfortable, and independent at home.

Top tips for personal care

  • Avoid slips, trips, and falls:
    Keep your bathroom clutter-free. Use anti-slip mats in the bath or shower. Make sure your home is well-lit and wear sturdy footwear with good fastenings and a stable sole.
  • Establish a routine:
    Set regular times for bathing and dressing. If you have a carer, talk them through your preferences for hair and clothing to help you feel more independent. Setting an alarm on your phone can help remind you about personal care tasks.
  • Make things easier:
    Use equipment like handrails, grab rails, dressing sticks, sock aids, and long-handled combs or shoe horns. A raised toilet seat can help with getting on or off the toilet. Choose clothes that are easy to fasten and remove, and use button hooks or zip pulls for fastening.
  • Support for carers:
    If your carer is a relative, friend, or neighbour, our support for unpaid carers has top tips and information about support they can access.

Staying independent at home

Even if you have difficulties with bathing, washing, or dressing, you may be able to stay at home. Equipment and technology can help, and family, friends, or paid carers can support you with personal care. Find further information on Staying independent at home.

Paying for Care

Check if you need to pay towards care services using our benefits calculator. If arranging your own care, consider independent financial advice and see if you’re eligible for welfare benefits. Age UK offers guidance on protecting yourself when employing carers.

Mobility Support

There’s a wide range of equipment to help you stay steady and mobile, including sticks, frames, grab rails, wheeled walkers, and stairlifts. Stairlifts can be fitted in most homes. For tips on preventing falls, see our falls prevention page.

Further Information

If you are struggling with personal care, talk to your GP or a health care professional. For more support or to discuss your needs, Contact adult social care or complete the online self-assessment.