These short videos share practical ideas to help with everyday activities such as preparing meals or washing and dressing.
If you, or someone you know, are starting to struggle with everyday activities, we recommend you explore these suggestions before considering an adult social care assessment.
Food shopping, preparing meals, eating and drinking
There are simple ways to make your food shopping experience easier including using a community shopping service or travelling to and from the shops by car to avoid carrying heavy shopping.
For advice on how to make meal preparation quicker, easier and safer, this video provides some handy tips, such as buying pre-prepared foods and using electrical appliances.
Mealtimes should be enjoyable, so if you’re finding eating or drinking uncomfortable or difficult, there is equipment that can help.
Your personal hygiene and appearance
Equipment, such as a shower stool and grab rail, can make using the bath or shower safer and easier.
There are some simple techniques to help make dressing and undressing easier, such as swapping clothes with buttons for items with zips and using aids to put on shoes and socks.
If you find it difficult to take care of your appearance, there are services and equipment you can use, for example, a long-handled comb to brush your hair or an automatic nail clipper.
Using the toilet can be made easier with equipment such as a toilet seat raiser or toilet frame.
Staying safe at home
It's important to keep your home clean and tidy to reduce the risk of pests and bacteria, as well as falls.
Caring for children
If you're a parent, are you able to take care of your child or children and carry out any essential parenting tasks, such as washing and drying your children's clothes or cooking their meals, without help?
Spending quality time with your family, such as going to the park or playing games, is important for your wellbeing. Are these activities you can do independently and without struggle?
Further information
For more practical advice, you can watch our videos on:
- meeting new people and making friends
- using technology to stay in touch with family and friends
- getting out and about
- support to participate in work, training, education or volunteering
- searching for work, training, education or volunteering opportunities
Before considering an adult social care assessment, our national eligibility criteria page has information on the criteria used to assess if you are eligible for support from your local authority.
If you think you might be eligible for support, find out how to get help.