Elderly Care at Home

Why Stay at Home?

Research consistently shows that older people want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible — and that home-based care leads to better health outcomes and quality of life than moving into residential care for most people.

What Changes with Age

Ageing brings physical and cognitive changes that can gradually make daily tasks more difficult. Common challenges include:

• Reduced mobility and balance — increased falls risk, difficulty with stairs, getting up from chairs
• Reduced strength and dexterity — difficulty opening jars, managing buttons, lifting pots
• Memory and cognitive changes — forgetting to take medication, leaving the hob on, forgetting appointments
• Reduced appetite and nutrition — eating less, not preparing proper meals
• Sensory changes — reduced hearing and vision affecting safety and communication
• Multiple health conditions — managing several medications and conditions simultaneously
• Social isolation — reduced access to transport, loss of peers, limited social activity

None of these are inevitable — and all can be mitigated with the right support.

How Home Care Helps

Ekvarta's carers provide practical support across daily life, tailored to exactly what each person needs:

1. 1

   Companionship and Social Engagement

   Regular company, conversation, shared activities and outings. A carer who visits consistently builds a genuine relationship that combats loneliness and brings structure to the day.

2. 2

   Meals and Nutrition

   Planning and preparing nutritious meals at the right times. Shopping for fresh ingredients. Encouraging eating. Adapting meals for any dietary requirements or swallowing difficulties.

3. 3

   Medication Support

   Prompting medication at the right time. Organising pill boxes. Monitoring for side effects. Flagging missed doses or concerns to family or healthcare professionals.

4. 4

   Household Support

   Light housekeeping — keeping the home safe, clean and comfortable. Laundry, ironing, cleaning. Ensuring the environment is hazard-free.

5. 5

   Shopping and Errands

   Weekly shopping, prescription collection, posting letters, accompanying to appointments. Maintaining connection to the local community.

Safety at Home

Falls are one of the biggest risks for older people living alone. A carer helps manage safety by:

• Keeping pathways clear and clutter-free
• Ensuring adequate lighting throughout the home
• Monitoring footwear (slippers with grip, not loose)
• Checking for wet floors or spills
• Ensuring mobility aids are in good condition and accessible
• Noting any deterioration in strength or balance and reporting to family

For further fall prevention, see our Falls Prevention Guide. For home adaptations that improve safety, see Home Adaptations.

Loneliness and Social Connection

Around 1.4 million older people in the UK are chronically lonely. Loneliness is associated with increased risk of dementia, depression, and physical health decline. A carer visit — even once or twice a week — can be transformative.

Carers from Ekvarta are selected not just for their practical skills but for their warmth and ability to build genuine rapport. Many of our clients consider their carer a friend.

Funding Home Care

Home care doesn't have to be paid for entirely from savings. Many older people are entitled to support they haven't yet claimed:

• Attendance Allowance — up to £108.55/week for people over State Pension age with care needs. Non-means-tested.
• Direct Payments — council funding paid directly to you to purchase your own care.
• NHS Continuing Healthcare — fully-funded NHS care for those with a primary health need.
• Pension Credit — top-up income for older people with lower incomes, which may also unlock other benefits.