Preparing Your Home for 24-Hour Care: 5 Practical Steps for Families

When families decide to arrange 24-hour home care, the excitement of keeping their loved one safely at home can quickly turn to anxiety about practical preparations. “Where will the night carer sleep?” “Do we need special equipment?” “How do we make our home suitable for professional care?”

These concerns are entirely understandable. Transitioning from family-managed care to professional 24-hour support requires thoughtful preparation to ensure safety, comfort, and privacy for everyone involved.

The good news is that most homes can accommodate 24-hour care with relatively straightforward modifications. Here’s your comprehensive guide to preparing your home for round-the-clock professional care.

Step 1: Assess and Modify for Safety

Safety is the foundation of successful home care. Professional carers are trained to work in various environments, but certain modifications can significantly reduce risks and improve care quality.

Lighting Throughout the Home

Essential Lighting Improvements

Install sensor lights in hallways and stairs for safe night movement
Ensure bright, glare-free lighting in main care areas
Add bedside lamps or touch lights for easy access
Consider colour-contrasted lighting to help with visual perception
Ensure light switches are accessible from bed and chair positions

Practical Tips

Use warm LED bulbs (3000K) for comfortable evening lighting
Install dimmer switches to adjust lighting for different care needs
Ensure emergency torches are available in key locations
Consider smart lighting that can be controlled remotely

Floor Safety and Accessibility

Removing Trip Hazards

Secure or remove loose rugs and mats
Ensure carpet edges are firmly tacked down
Clear pathways of clutter, furniture, and electrical cords
Install non-slip strips on polished floors or stairs
Consider replacing high-threshold transitions between rooms

Creating Clear Pathways

Minimum 36 inches wide for wheelchair or mobility aid access
Clear, direct routes between bedroom, bathroom, and main living areas
Ensure furniture arrangement allows for easy navigation
Consider handrails for longer corridors or steps

Bathroom Safety Modifications

Essential Safety Features

Install grab rails near toilet and in shower/bath area
Add non-slip mats in bath/shower and on bathroom floor
Ensure adequate lighting with accessible switches
Consider raised toilet seat if mobility is limited
Install lever-style taps for easier operation

Professional Assessment Many families benefit from an occupational therapy assessment to identify specific safety modifications needed. This can often be arranged through your GP or privately.

Step 2: Create Comfortable Accommodation for Care Staff

24-hour care typically involves multiple carers working in shifts, and they need appropriate accommodation to provide effective care.

Night Carer Accommodation

Space Requirements

Separate bedroom for night carer (spare room, converted dining room, or living room)
Room should be close enough to hear and respond quickly to needs
Minimum single bed, wardrobe space, and comfortable chair
Privacy for the carer while maintaining accessibility

If Space Is Limited

High-quality sofa bed in living room with privacy screen
Portable wardrobe or designated storage area
Ensure heating/cooling and blackout curtains for daytime sleep
Consider soundproofing if near busy areas

Shared Living Spaces

Kitchen Access

Carers need access to prepare meals and store personal food
Designate fridge and cupboard space for care staff use
Ensure kitchen equipment is in good working order
Consider whether additional items needed (microwave, toaster, etc.)

Comfort Areas

Designated seating area where carers can rest during breaks
Access to television or reading materials during quiet periods
Wi-Fi access for emergency communication and care documentation
Quiet space for handover meetings between shift changes

Step 3: Organise Medical and Care Equipment

Professional care often requires specific equipment and supplies. Proper organisation ensures efficient care delivery and easy access during emergencies.

Medication Management

Secure Storage

Lockable medicine cabinet for prescription medications
Separate storage for different family members’ medications
Cool, dry storage area away from kitchen and bathroom heat
Easy access for authorised care staff but secure from others

Organisation Systems

Weekly pill organisers for complex medication regimens
Clear labelling with dosage times and special instructions
Emergency medication easily identifiable and accessible
Backup supplies of essential medications

Medical Equipment Setup

Essential Equipment Areas

Designated space for blood pressure monitor, thermometer, etc.
Storage for medical supplies (dressings, gloves, sanitiser)
Easy-to-clean surfaces for equipment and medication preparation
Adequate lighting for reading labels and checking medications

Mobility Equipment

Clear storage for walking aids, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters
Charging points for electric mobility equipment
Space for care-related equipment (hoist, commode, etc.)
Easy access without blocking pathways

Emergency Information Centre

Essential Information Display

Emergency contact numbers prominently displayed
GP and pharmacy contact details
Hospital preferences and NHS numbers
Medication list and allergy information
Care plan summary for emergency responders

Step 4: Establish Communication Systems

Effective communication between family, carers, and healthcare professionals is crucial for successful 24-hour care.

Technology Setup

Communication Devices

Reliable landline telephone with amplified ringer
Mobile phone coverage throughout the home
Wi-Fi for care documentation and family communication
Baby monitor or intercom system if bedrooms are distant

Documentation Systems

Designated area for care notes and communication books
Secure storage for care plans and medical information
Easy access to important documents (ID, insurance, care agreements)
Backup copies of essential information

Family Communication

Daily Updates

Agreed method for daily care updates (phone, email, app)
Regular family meeting schedule with care coordinators
Clear protocols for emergency or urgent communication
Designated family contact person for care decisions

Step 5: Prepare for Daily Routines and Personal Preferences

The most successful 24-hour care arrangements respect individual routines and preferences while accommodating professional care requirements.

Personal Routine Documentation

Daily Schedule Information

Preferred wake-up and bedtime routines
Meal preferences and dietary requirements
Favourite activities, television programmes, and music
Social activities and visitor schedules
Exercise or therapy routines

Personal Care Preferences

Preferred products for washing, dressing, and personal care
Specific techniques that work best for individual needs
Cultural or religious considerations for care
Privacy preferences during personal care

Household Management

Cleaning and Maintenance

Establish expectations for housekeeping during care visits
Identify cleaning supplies and equipment locations
Clarify responsibilities for household maintenance
Arrange for ongoing home maintenance during care period

Shopping and Errands

Discuss whether carers will assist with shopping
Provide information about preferred shops and brands
Arrange for delivery services if carers won’t shop
Clarify arrangements for prescription collection

Working with Your Care Provider

Professional Assessment Visit

Before 24 hour home care begins, reputable providers conduct thorough home assessments:

Safety Evaluation

Identification of potential hazards or modifications needed
Assessment of accessibility for mobility aids or equipment
Evaluation of emergency evacuation routes
Review of home security for care staff safety

Care Planning

Discussion of specific care needs and preferences
Identification of required equipment or supplies
Planning of care routines around home layout
Coordination with existing healthcare providers

Ongoing Support and Adjustments

Regular Reviews

Weekly check-ins during initial setup period
Monthly reviews of home setup and care effectiveness
Seasonal adjustments for heating, lighting, and access
Modification recommendations as needs change

Family Training

Instruction on emergency procedures and equipment
Training on communication systems and documentation
Education about recognising when adjustments needed
Support for family adjustment to care arrangements

Common Preparation Challenges and Solutions

Limited Space

“Our house is quite small—will this work for 24-hour care?”

Solutions:

Creative use of living spaces with privacy screens
Convertible furniture (sofa beds, fold-away desks)
Garage or loft conversion for additional space
Temporary relocation of non-essential furniture

Family Privacy Concerns

“How do we maintain privacy with carers in our home?”

Solutions:

Clear boundaries about private family areas
Scheduled family time when carers maintain distance
Separate entrance arrangements if possible
Private family communication methods established

Cost of Modifications

“We’re worried about the expense of home modifications.”

Solutions:

Many modifications are simple and inexpensive
Some equipment available through NHS or charity loan
Modifications often increase property value
Consider costs against alternative care home expenses

Final Preparation Checklist

One Week Before Care Begins:

Safety modifications completed and tested
Care staff accommodation fully prepared
All medical equipment and supplies organised
Communication systems tested and working
Emergency information displayed and accessible
Family routines and preferences documented
Home assessment completed with care provider
All family members briefed on new arrangements

Day Before Care Begins:

Fresh bedding and towels available for care staff
Food and refreshments available
All necessary keys provided and labelled
Final check of medication organisation
Emergency contact details confirmed
Care plan and preferences reviewed with family

The Reward of Proper Preparation

While preparing your home for 24-hour care requires effort and planning, families consistently report that thorough preparation makes an enormous difference to the success of care arrangements.

Proper preparation ensures:

Safety and comfort for your loved one and care staff
Smooth care delivery without unnecessary delays or complications
Family peace of mind knowing everything is properly organised
Professional respect for the care environment and requirements
Successful long-term care arrangements that work for everyone

Remember, you’re not just preparing a house for care—you’re creating an environment where your loved one can continue to thrive safely at home with professional support. The investment in proper preparation pays dividends in care quality, family comfort, and overall success of the home care experience.

Your care provider should support you throughout this preparation process, offering guidance, practical advice, and reassurance. When everything is properly prepared, 24-hour home care becomes a positive, transformative experience that enables your loved one to remain safely and comfortably in their cherished home environment.