How do I explain home care to my child?
Talking to children about home care can feel tricky, especially if they’ve noticed changes in a grandparent or loved one. They might wonder why someone new is visiting the house or why Grandma now needs extra help. Explaining home care to children in a simple, positive way helps them feel more at ease with any changes happening in the family. By focusing on the idea that carers are kind helpers, children can see home care as something reassuring rather than worrying.
What is Home Care?
Home care means that a professional carer visits someone’s house to help them with everyday tasks they might find difficult. It’s like having an extra pair of helping hands, making sure they stay safe and comfortable in their own home.
You can explain it like this:
“You know how we help each other at home—like when you help set the table or pick up your toys? Well, sometimes older people, like Grandma or Grandad, need help too. A carer comes to their house to help them with things like cooking, cleaning, and getting dressed, so they can stay happy at home.”
Hourly Care vs. Live-in Care
It’s important to explain the difference between domiciliary care and live-in care in a way your child can understand.
- Hourly or Domiciliary Care – A carer visits at certain times of the day to help with specific tasks, like making meals or helping with a bath.
- Live-in Care – A carer stays in the home all the time, just like another family member, to provide round-the-clock support.
If a loved one is receiving live-in care, you can say:
“Sometimes, people need more help during the day and night, so a carer stays with them all the time. They become a bit like a housemate who is always there to help and keep them safe.”
Why Do Some People Need Care at Home?
Many children understand that as people get older, their bodies don’t always work the way they used to: they may find it harder to move around, remember things, or do daily tasks like cooking or cleaning. Some people might need home care for a short time, like after being in hospital, while others might need it for longer.
A simple way to explain this to a child is:
“Just like how you needed help learning to ride a bike or tie your shoes, older people sometimes need help too. A carer is there to make sure they don’t have to struggle with things that have become harder for them.”
How Does Home Care Help Families?
Children may worry that a carer is replacing family members. Reassure them that hom ecare actually helps the whole family by giving everyone more time to spend together.
You can say:
“A carer doesn’t take our place—they help us! They do the things that might be too difficult or take a long time, so we can spend more time having fun with Grandma instead of worrying about chores.”
Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable with a Carer
If a carer is coming into your home, it can help to introduce them to your child in a friendly way. Let them know in advance that the carer is there to help, and encourage them to say hello and be part of conversations. This can make the transition easier for everyone.
Speak to a Care Consultant
If you’d like more advice on home care and how it can support your family, Promedica24 is here to help. Just phone 0800 086 8686, email care@promedica24.co.uk, or click here to find your local branch.
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