The caregiver’s checklist to supporting loved ones at home

Caring for a loved one at home is a big responsibility. From daily routines to personal care, having the right approach can make a world of difference in their comfort and wellbeing.

Providing care for a loved one at home is both an act of compassion and responsibility. From daily routines to sensitive personal tasks, supporting a loved one with personal care needs takes a tailored approach. Whether your loved one is recovering from an illness, managing a long-term condition, or experiencing the effects of ageing, this guide will help ensure they feel supported, comfortable, and respected. Routine can be one of the most powerful tools in caregiving, explains Helen Fraser from BlueCare. “Establishing a consistent daily routine gives people a sense of control over their lives, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the unknown.”

Showering and bathing

Showering is one of the most personal tasks you’ll help with, and it’s natural to feel uncertain about how to approach it. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can make it comfortable for both of you.

Make it safe: Create a safe space by ensuring all bathroom surfaces are slip-resistant. Use non-slip mats, install grab bars, and always check the floor is dry before they step in. All small changes that can prevent big issues—like falls—while providing peace of mind.

Temperature matters: Test the water temperature before your loved one gets into the bath or shower to avoid discomfort or burns.

It’s about support, not control: Caring for a loved one isn’t about taking control, it’s about supporting their independence where possible. Let them do what they can, offering help where needed. “Get them involved all the way down to those really small decisions. Ask, ‘what would you like to wear when you get out of the shower?’, ‘Do you want to wash your hair today?’,” she says.

Use shower aids: Consider using shower chairs or handheld shower heads to make the process easier. Sometimes a shower or bath isn’t possible or preferred—and that’s okay. “There are many ways to maintain cleanliness,” Helen says. “It may just be cleaning hands and face, doing small parts of the body at a time, rather than having a full clean.”

Dressing

Dressing isn’t just putting on clothes. It’s a daily opportunity for your loved one to maintain their independence. While it might take longer than it used to, the process can still be empowering.

Encourage easy-to-wear clothing: Magnetic closures and velcro fastenings make dressing simpler. Likewise, elastic waistbands are often more manageable than buttons or zippers.

Allow personal choice:  Let your loved one choose what they want to wear. It’s a small act that can have a big impact on their sense of control and autonomy, says Helen.

Offer assistance where needed: Provide help when necessary, but encourage them to do what they can themselves. It’s a balance that takes practice, but you’ll soon find a rhythm.

Continence care

This topic can feel awkward at first. It helps to remember you’re there to assist someone you care about maintain their comfort and health.

Set up a routine: Encourage a regular bathroom schedule. “The routines around toileting and mealtime, particularly for bowel continence, is rally important,” Helen says. Consistency can also help prevent accidents and reduce anxiety.

Care for skin:  Clean gently with mild soap and water after accidents, and use barrier creams to protect against rashes or irritation. Respect their privacy:  Help your loved one maintain their dignity by offering them as much privacy as possible during these tasks.

Choose products carefully: Helen says product choice can make all the difference. “There’s a huge variety of products available, and using the wrong one can causes added issues, like rashes. And a lot of people are eligible for subsidies if they’re over 65.”

Medication management

While medication management might seem daunting, breaking it down into simple steps makes it manageable.

Make a list: Keep a detailed list of all medications, including dosages, times, and special instructions.

Set reminders: Use medication management apps or set alarms to ensure medications are taken at the right time.

Keep it organised: “Once there are a few medications involved it can really help to engage your chemist to support medication management with things like Webster packs.” Don’t try to manage complex schedule alone when there’s help available.

Track any side effects: Note any side effects and share them with healthcare providers. “If there are visual issues, make sure they’ve got a different colour plate so they can see the tablets,” explains Helen. The contrast in colours—rather than using a white plate, for example—can help them stand out.

Personal hygiene

Good personal hygiene is as much about maintaining your loved one’s self respect and wellbeing as it is about cleanliness.

Respect their routine: Stick to what your loved one is comfortable with, and avoid making changes unless it’s necessary for health reasons.

Take a gentle approach: Be patient and gentle with tasks like brushing teeth or combing hair. These moments can actually become quite peaceful when there's no rush.

Make it enjoyable: Transform hygiene tasks from chores into pleasant moments. Play their favourite music, or share light conversation.

Emotional wellbeing and self-care

Caring extends beyond physical tasks, says Helen. “Life is more than just tasks. It can be easy to get stick on cooking meals, cleaning—so much so it’s easy to forget to enjoy life.”

For your loved one: Keep their social connections alive. “Not everything has to shift,” Helen says. “Build things for emotional wellbeing into the schedule too.”

For you: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. “That’s probably the hardest—self care for the carer—because it can be difficult to figure out how to still be ‘you’. It’s an overwhelming role and it’s okay to ask for help.” Services like BlueCare are focused on providing support where it’s needed.

Practical tools

Exploring assistive equipment can make everyday tasks simpler and safer. “Equipment can be a real way to make life easier—things to help you make the bed, get in and out of the car.”

Safety matters too. “Things like decluttering, minimising risk. Mats become a hazard when we’re no longer picking our feet up as well.” A few simple adjustments can go a long way in creating a more secure and comfortable home environment.