Organising a supportive home for caregiving

4 minute read

When the days are short, the nights are long and the weather icy, our homes should be our sanctuaries - somewhere we can slow down, rest and recharge after the December whirlwind. 

But for many of us, it’s not just about self-care - it’s also about caring for loved ones. Whether you’re looking after an elder relative, someone recovering from an illness or even just trying to keep the family snug and protected from winter bugs, the way you set up your home can make a world of difference.

Guest writer, Katie Fyfe of Eldering shares her experience of creating a supportive home for her father (photo on the left).

Katie says, "I look after my 88-year-old father who has mild Alzheimer’s. When I moved him into the flat next door to me a few years ago, it was far from ideal. Previously rented to students, it needed more than a little TLC to make it comfortable and safe for him. Over time, I made some tweaks and adjustments to create a space that supports his physical and mental wellbeing - and mine".

Here’s what worked for Kate and her dad, and how you can turn your own home into a supportive and caring winter haven.

Boost warmth (and reduce energy waste)

My father feels the cold more acutely so in winter it’s all about keeping the heat in. Closing curtains or blinds in the evenings (and during the day in rooms you’re not using) helps trap warmth without cranking up the thermostat. 

As well as having plenty of soft wool blankets and throws, I invested in an electric blanket and microwaveable heat pads to warm him up quickly after venturing out - a much safer alternative to hot water bottles. A portable heater is another handy addition – we got one to put wherever Dad’s sitting for an extra boost of heat when it’s particularly cold.

Create a cosy, “hygge” vibe

We add a sprinkle of “hygge” with scented candles, soft warm-light lamps and – as we don’t have a fireplace – I often pop on the crackling fireplace video on Netflix. 

These little touches create a soothing, warm atmosphere and are great for keeping the stress levels down.

Bring in some greenery

Plants are a real mood booster during those long, dark months when venturing outside for a dose of nature isn’t so appealing. 

Snake plant are particularly good as they are low-maintenance and help purify the air – I have one on a table by my dad’s favourite chair.

Comfort isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about function too. Keeping frequently-used items (phone, medications, blankets) in easy reach minimises unnecessary movement. I bought a wooden laptop table with a handy drawer to keep by his favourite chair.  This means he can have meals and snacks while watching TV and can easily access useful items – toothpicks, dental floss, pills, magnifying glass - just by pulling out the drawer. I also bought a small, lightweight ‘martini’ table (the sort you might find at an antique market) that can easily be moved around to rest a cup of tea or drink wherever he decides to sit.

Remove trip hazards

If you’ve got rugs, consider whether they’re more hazard than help. We swapped out the shaggy rugs in Dad’s flat for flat-weave, non-slip ones to avoid trips and falls. Rearranging furniture to create clear, wide pathways was another important step, as was replacing the existing glass coffee table (hard to see and sore on the shins!) with a soft ottoman. The ottoman also doubles as foot stool to put his feet up and support circulation when sitting for long periods. 

Get smart

Smart technology has been a game-changer. I got Dad a voice-activated smart speaker which allows him to easily play any song he likes, check the temperature outside, change TV channels and stay in touch with family without having to learn new tech or navigate fiddly buttons.

Ward off winter illnesses

Winter comes with winter bugs, so I keep a bowl of tangerines or satsumas within easy reach of his favourite chair in the living room to snack on, which gives him a natural daily boost of vitamin C. I also stock up on cold and flu essentials like tissues, throat lozenges and cough drops, and keep plenty of herbal teas, lemons and spices in the store cupboard for daily hot drinks to keep his airways hydrated.

Organise medications and health records

Keep medications and health records organised and easy to access. I keep all his medical reports in a labelled lever arch file with dividers for each condition, for quick reference when needed. We also keep his medications in a pull-out organiser tray in the kitchen cupboard so he can easily lift them out in one go when it’s time to fill his pill box for the week. 

Small changes, big impact

Creating an environment to facilitate good care doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul. A few thoughtful tweaks can create a space that’s cosy, safe and supportive for everyone - whether they’re young, old or somewhere in between.

If you would like a professional to support you with creating a supporting home for caregiving, take a look at our Find an Organiser directory. 

For me, these changes have made caring for my dad so much easier while giving him a space where he feels comfortable and happy. And when it’s cold and grey outside, isn’t that what we all want?