Help Your Elderly Parent Stay at Home: Why Movement Matters

If your mum or dad is in their 90s, receiving daily visits from HSC carers, and has already had a fall, you may be wondering what more can be done to help them stay safely at home.

One of the most effective — and often overlooked — ways to support independence is regular movement and gentle mobility exercises, guided by a physiotherapy plan, supported by HSC carers, and gently encouraged by a home-share companion.

At Elder Home Share, we see every day how this teamwork helps older adults stay stronger, more confident, and happier at home across Northern Ireland.

When Movement Slows Down

As people become less active, their muscles weaken quickly — especially in the legs and hips. Simple daily tasks like standing from a chair, walking to the bathroom, or getting into bed can become harder and riskier.

This can set off a chain reaction:

• Muscle loss → harder to move safely

• Balance loss → higher risk of falls

• Reduced confidence → less activity

• Further decline → hospital stays or residential care transitions

Fortunately, it’s never too late to make a positive change.

Benefits of Genle Exercice for your Elderly parent at home

Even in later years, small amounts of movement can bring big improvements:

• Strength and balance exercises can reduce falls by around 30–35%.

• Just two to three hours of gentle activity per week improves mobility and confidence.

• Regular movement helps maintain walking speed, strength, and daily independence.

The key is that these exercises should be safe, appropriate, and based on advice from a physiotherapist — which HSC carers can help your parent follow during their daily visits.

The Role of HSC Carers

HSC carers, provided through Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care Trusts, are trained to support older adults with daily living and safe movement around the home.

They can:

• Assist with simple mobility exercises as part of a physiotherapy plan.

• Encourage safe standing, walking, and light movement throughout the day.

• Help your parent move confidently and safely at home.

Their professional support makes an enormous difference in maintaining strength and independence.

An elderly homeowner completes gentle mobility exercises in her kitchen with guidance from an HSC carer, while a home-share companion offers friendly encouragement and makes tea in the background.

How a Home-Share Companion Adds Support

A home-share companion is not a carer and doesn’t assist with exercises directly — but they play a vital complementary role.

They can:

• Offer gentle reminders about exercises between HSC visits.

• Provide companionship, motivation, and reassurance.

• Help keep the home environment safe and uncluttered for easier movement.

• Offer an overnight presence for peace of mind if your loved one is a falls risk.

This friendly, social support complements professional care and makes home life safer and more enjoyable.

A Simple Weekly Routine to help elderly parent age at home

For many older adults, a realistic plan might include:

• Two short strength sessions: such as supported chair stands or leg lifts.

• One balance session: simple standing or stepping exercises.

• One light movement session: gentle indoor walking or stretching to music.

Each session can last 20–30 minutes, following a physiotherapist’s plan.HSC carers can guide these safely, while companions provide encouragement and gentle reminders.

A Family Story

“I would like to congratulate Saoirse Sheridan on the outstanding level of client service she offers via Elder Home Share and her unrivalled prompt response to my many queries. Her standard of customer care is exceptional and I greatly appreciated constantly having her at the end of the phone. She was always highly professional as we progressed with the match for my 91-year-old mother, from my initial call in January, right through the process and placement. Her patience, commitment and dedication has made this transition an absolute joy.”— Catherine, daughter of a Home Owner

Stories like Catherine’s show how the right combination of professional HSC care and compassionate companionship helps older adults stay where they most want to be — in their own home.

What You Can Do Next

• Encourage daily activity — remind your parent that movement is key to independence.

• Ask their physiotherapist for a simple home exercise plan.

• Support the HSC care team as they help your parent carry it out safely.

• Add companionship — a home-share companion provides reassurance, motivation, and social connection.

  
  

Stay Independent, Stay at Home

If your elderly parent wants to remain at home safely but needs a little extra help and companionship, Elder Home Share can help.

We connect older homeowners across Northern Ireland — including Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, and beyond — with trusted, carefully matched companions who provide reassurance, friendship, and low-level support alongside HSC care.

📞 Contact Elder Home Share today to find out how we can help your loved one stay active, confident, and comfortable at home www.elderhomeshare.co.uk