Caring For Yourself: 7 Self-Care Tips for People Receiving Home Care

Receiving care at home can be a massive comfort because you’re in familiar surroundings. But when support comes in, it can feel like a checklist of things being done to you, rather than with you.

That’s where self-care comes in. Proper self-care is creating small, meaningful habits that help you stay well and keep your dignity and independence intact.

Here, we suggest 7 practical self-care tips while receiving homecare, plus how to work with your caregiver to build simple habits into your daily routine.

1. Move every day

For home care clients, the best approach is usually gentle movement, done safely and regularly to support your circulation, joints, strength and confidence.

Exercise tips for seniors over 80 at home include small, steady movements, like slow walks to the kitchen and back, light stretching, marching legs while seated, or standing up and sitting down a few times.

Your carer can build in daily movements without it feeling like a full-on session, like a short walk after breakfast or chair movements while the kettle boils. They can also make sure spaces are safe (clear floors, supportive footwear, good lighting) and gently encourage you on days when motivation is a bit wobbly.

2. Practice safe balance exercises

Balance is one of those things you don’t think about until you feel unsteady. But regular practice can help you feel more secure when moving around the house, especially when getting up from a chair, moving from bed, or stepping into the bathroom.

Simple balance exercises at home might include:

• Standing with feet hip-width apart and shifting gently from side-to-side.
• Heel raises while holding a kitchen counter.
• Sit-to-stand practice from a sturdy chair.
• Standing tall for a few breaths while holding a stable surface.

(Please note: if you’ve had falls, dizziness or health conditions that affect your balance, always follow advice from a GP, physio or occupational therapist.)

A carer can support you to do the right activity at the right time and look out for any risks - new dizziness, unsafe footwear, clutter, tiredness. They can also help you stick to a routine, which is often where the benefits show up.

3. Consistently monitor your health

Keeping an eye on how you feel day-to-day can help you spot changes early. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Consistent health monitoring can be as simple as checking in on what’s normal for you.

Things to notice might include:

• Pain levels.
• Appetite and fluid intake.
• Sleep quality.
• Breathlessness or coughing.
• Swelling, especially in ankles/legs.
• Mood and energy levels.

The aim is to notice patterns to get the right support, rather than waiting until something becomes a bigger problem.

Caregivers can be your extra pair of eyes. They can note changes, support medication routines and share observations with family or healthcare professionals. A care plan can also help to keep records clear and consistent across different carers.

4. Eat and drink to stay strong

When you’re receiving home care, it’s common to have days where appetite is low or eating feels like a chore. But regular meals and hydration are one of the most practical self-care tips out there.

Try:

• Smaller meals more often if big plates feel overwhelming.
• Add protein where you can (eggs, yoghurt, fish, beans, cheese).
• Keep easy snacks nearby (fruit, crackers, soups).
• Sip fluids regularly, especially in warm rooms or during illness.

Carers can support you with meal prep, help with shopping lists, encourage regular drinks and make sure meals match your preferences and needs. And if swallowing, chewing or nausea are issues, they can flag concerns so you get the right support quickly.

5. Protect your sleep and wind-down time

Sleep affects energy, pain, mood and resilience and it closely links to older people’s mental health. When sleep is poor, it’s common to feel anxious, low or overwhelmed.

Some practical sleep-friendly habits:

• Keep a steady bedtime and wake-up time where possible.
• Try daylight exposure earlier in the day (even sitting by a window helps).
• Reduce caffeine later on.
• Create a wind-down routine: warm drink, calm music, audiobook, gentle breathing.
• Keep the bedroom comfortable and clutter-free.

A carer can help keep evenings calmer by timing personal care tasks so they don’t feel rushed or overly late. If night-time bathroom trips are a concern, they can also reduce risks by keeping walking routes safe and well-lit.

6. Stay connected

Isolation can creep in quietly and can seriously affect a senior’s mental health. Even short, regular connections can lift your mood and help you feel more like yourself. The benefits of social interaction aren’t just emotional; they can support motivation and cognitive health too.

Connection doesn’t have to mean a packed diary. It could be:

• A weekly phone call with a friend.
• A short visit from family.
• A chat with neighbours.
• A local group, lunch club, choir or community centre.
• Video calls (if you’re comfortable with tech).

Caregivers can support the practical bits: helping you schedule calls, setting up a phone or tablet, getting you ready for visitors, or supporting you to attend something local. They can also encourage connection without pushing, it’s about what feels good for you.

7. Do something that feels like you every day

This one often gets overlooked. Self-care is more than physical health, but also identity and dignity. Having one small daily habit that brings comfort, pride or meaning can shift the whole tone of a day.

It might be:

• Wearing a favourite outfit, even at home.
• Hair, skincare, shaving or putting on scent.
• Hobbies: puzzles, music, gardening, knitting, reading.
• A nice moment: a proper cuppa, a favourite programme, a short sit outside.

These self-care tips are powerful because they reinforce choice and control, and that’s at the heart of independence.

Carers can ask a simple question: “What matters to you today?” Then, they can shape support around that, rather than just focusing on tasks.

Build a daily routine with your caregiver

You don’t have to do all seven tips perfectly. Make them part of your normal day in a way that feels natural.

A simple approach is to agree a daily rhythm with your caregiver like:

• Morning: wash and dress, breakfast, quick movement.
• Midday: meal + hydration, short walk or balance exercises.
• Afternoon: hobby or connection (phone call/visit).
• Evening: calm wind-down, bedtime routine.

At TagCare, we’re big believers that homecare should support people to live their lives. The best outcomes often come from small habits done consistently, with carers and clients working together: steady, respectful and centred on what matters to the person.

Get in touch If you’d like help putting routines into a clear plan your whole care team can follow - exactly the sort of practical, person-centred approach TagCare supports!