How to Talk to a Loved One About Getting Help at Home
Published: 08/09/2025
Supportive guidance for a sensitive but important conversation
Bringing up the topic of home care with a parent or loved one can be emotionally complex. Many older adults fear that accepting help means losing independence or control over their lives. In truth, the right support at home can enhance their freedom, improve safety, and boost quality of life.
If you’re unsure how to approach this conversation, here are 7 practical steps to guide you — along with how we can help at Right at Home Lymm and Warrington South:
1. Start Early - Don't Wait for a Crisis
Try to introduce the idea of care before a fall, illness, or major change happens. It’s easier to talk when there’s no immediate pressure, and your loved one may be more open when they feel part of a long-term plan.
💡 Tip: Start small. Instead of saying “you need help,” try something like: “Mum, I’ve noticed it’s been a bit harder getting around lately. Have you ever thought about a bit of help at home — even just with the housework or shopping?”
This opens the door gently and respectfully — without implying that they can’t cope.
2. Lead with Love and Reassurance
Emphasise that your concern comes from love, not judgement. Make it clear that you’re not trying to take control — you’re looking for ways to support their independence and wellbeing. For example: “I know how much being at home means to you — and I want to make sure that continues for as long as possible, safely and comfortably.”
Here at Right at Home Lymm and Warrington South, our care is designed to add support without taking away freedom — from just an hour a week to more regular help as needed.
3. Listen First - Understand their Fears or Hesitations
Home care may be a totally new concept, or your parent might have outdated ideas about what it means. They might imagine live-in carers or nursing homes — when in fact, support can be flexible, friendly, and built around their lifestyle.
💡 Tip: Ask open-ended questions like: “How would you feel about someone coming in once a week to help with meals or get you to appointments?” Let them talk — and listen carefully. Understanding their viewpoint helps you meet them where they are.
4. Share Options and Information - Without Pressure
Rather than “telling” them what they need, come prepared with simple, helpful resources. At Right at Home Lymm and Warrington South, we offer a free, no-obligation home care assessment, where we:
✅ Identify areas where support could help with daily life
✅ Spot potential risks (like fall hazards) and suggest small safety improvements
✅ Signpost to other local services — such as technology that can help them stay independent (like personal alarms or medication reminders)
✅ Provide guidance on funding options, including local authority support or NHS continuing healthcare
This can be a gentle first step — and often helps parents feel more informed and in control.
As your loved one: “Would you be open to a free visit from a care advisor, just to explore what’s out there?”
Clare Coke | Care Director"Starting a conversation about care isn’t always easy — but it can be the beginning of something truly positive. At Right at Home Lymm and Warrington South, we believe the right support doesn’t take away independence — it protects it. Our role is to listen, guide, and empower families to make choices that feel right for them."
5. Involve Them in Every Decision
No one wants to feel like decisions are being made for them — especially when it comes to something as personal as receiving support in their own home. It’s essential that your loved one feels heard, respected, and in control of what happens next.
Be collaborative at every step. Invite them to help choose the care provider, look at different options, and decide what level of support feels right for them. Encourage them to ask questions, express concerns, and take the time they need to feel comfortable.
This isn’t just about making the right care choice — it’s about preserving their independence, dignity, and sense of ownership over their life.
For example: “Let’s look at this together and see what would work best for you. There’s no rush — we can take our time and make sure it feels right.”
At Right at Home Lymm and Warrington South, we always include the person receiving care in every conversation. Our role is to support, not take over — and we’ll never make decisions without their full involvement and consent.
This kind of open, person-centred approach helps build trust from the very beginning — and reassures your loved one that their voice truly matters.
6. Suggest a Trial Period
It doesn’t have to be a big commitment. Many people are surprised at how much difference just a couple of hours a week can make — especially with companionship, errands, or light housework.
For example: “Why don’t we try it for a few weeks? There’s no pressure — we can stop, change things, or add more help if it feels right.”
Starting small often leads to more confidence, better routines, and a greater sense of independence — not less.
7. Emphasise That Home Care = More Independence, Not Less
Care at home isn’t about “giving up” — it’s about staying at home, safely and happily, with the right support in place. For many families, it’s the key to preserving routines, hobbies, social contact, and dignity.
At Right at Home Lymm and Warrington South, that’s our goal: supporting people to live well, their way, at home.
Ready to Chat?
If you're starting to think about care — even just a little — we're here to help you explore your options.
Contact us for a Free Home Care Assessment - No pressure. No commitment. Just a friendly chat in your home to see what might help — now or in the future.
