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Helping an older relative prepare

Last reviewed 2026-10-30

Make a plan together for contact, medicines, mobility, and support. The right plan is the one your household can understand, access, and maintain. Start with the items and contacts that matter most in your situation, then improve it a little at a time.

Ask the person what would make a disruption easier for them. Agree how you will check in, who has a spare key if appropriate, and what to do if phone networks fail. Include a neighbour or trusted contact with the person’s agreement. Write the plan down in large, clear text if that helps.

Review medication supplies and repeat prescriptions together. The NHS advises allowing time for repeat prescriptions; the household checklist suggests reordering up to five working days ahead. Keep an accurate medicine list with doses, allergies, pharmacy, and GP details. Ask a pharmacist or clinician about medication questions.

Check whether Priority Services Register support may be available through the energy supplier or network. Eligibility and services vary, so confirm directly. The register does not replace an individual care plan or guarantee uninterrupted supply.

Add spare glasses, hearing-aid batteries, mobility aids, and charging details. Keep walking routes clear and place a torch and phone within easy reach. Ask the person how they prefer to receive official updates, including radio, phone, or a visitor.

Make the plan with the person, not around them. Respect their choices and privacy. If they need formal care, coordinate with the relevant care provider and follow the agreed care plan.

A practical household plan

Some useful adjustments cost nothing. Write the plan in the format the person prefers, such as large print, a simple phone note, or a paper card near the telephone. Check that the torch switch is easy to use and that important contacts are readable. If the person uses a mobility aid, keep its usual route clear and identify a safe place for it during bad weather. Agree how you will verify a message before acting on it, especially if a caller asks for personal or financial details. A trusted contact can be named with the person’s consent, but the person should remain in control of their choices wherever possible. If a planned visit cannot happen, agree a backup contact and a time to try again. Revisit the plan after a hospital stay, a change in medication, or a move home. Those changes can affect what support is useful and who needs to know.

Plan for your household

Ask whether the person would like a relative or neighbour to keep a copy of the contact plan. Share only the details they agree to share. Check that glasses, hearing aids, mobility equipment, and charging leads are kept in their usual places and can be reached safely. If a person uses a powered chair or other essential equipment, ask the provider and healthcare team what to do during an outage. Write the advice down in the person’s preferred format and review it after any change in care.

Review the plan with your household

Choose a regular moment to look over the list together. A six-month review is easy to remember and matches the household checklist, but update the plan sooner when someone moves in, a baby changes feeding routine, a pet starts a new diet, or a health need changes. Check that everyone knows where the torch, radio, first aid kit, and written contacts are kept. Replace items that have been used, expired, or damaged. Confirm phone numbers and equipment instructions against current information. A plan can be short and still be useful when each person knows their part. If someone else may help, ask them to read the instructions before an incident and check that they can reach the supplies. Record only the information helpers need, store it safely, and update it when those needs change. A familiar routine can make a difficult day easier to manage.

Use the household kit builder to turn your household numbers into a checklist. It is a planning aid, not a substitute for local warnings, an individual care plan, or professional advice. Store essential information where the people who may need it can find it.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first?

Start with the relevant official information for your area and the needs of the people or animals at home. Make a short written plan, gather what you already have, and fill gaps in stages.

How often should I review the plan?

Review it every six months and after a major change at home. Check dates, contact numbers, medicines, batteries, feeding needs, and any equipment instructions.

Where can I get urgent medical help?

Use NHS 111 or ask a pharmacist for non-life-threatening urgent advice. Call 999 for an emergency.