Frequently Asked Questions When You NEed Housebound Support
Being housebound can feel isolating, but you’re not alone—and housebound support is at hand. Whether you’re home by choice or circumstance, this page brings together practical tips, trusted services, and supportive resources from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. From staying connected with loved ones to ordering groceries, managing health appointments and finding at-home activities, our FAQs are here to make housebound life a little easier, brighter and more manageable—one answer at a time.
How can I stay connected with family and friends now I’m stuck at home?
Schedule regular video or phone calls—weekly “coffee chats” over Zoom, FaceTime, Skype or WhatsApp help you see loved-ones’ faces and hear their voices. If you prefer text, use group chats like Housebound Friends in Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp or iMessage. You can even play multiplayer mobile games (Words With Friends, Houseparty) or join virtual book- or film-clubs via Meetup, Eventbrite or your local library’s online events.
What’s the easiest way to get groceries and household essentials delivered?
UK: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons or Ocado; plus local volunteer‐run schemes.
USA/Canada: Instacart, Walmart Grocery, Amazon Fresh; community Facebook groups.
Australia: Woolworths Online, Coles Online; plus local volunteer networks via Neighbourhood Watch or RSL chapters.
New Zealand: Countdown Online, Pak’nSave Online; check Age Concern’s volunteer shopper lists.
How can I keep up with my fitness and stay active indoors?
You don’t need special equipment—body-weight exercises like sit-to-stand, wall push-ups or seated leg lifts work well. Free online classes suit all abilities: chair yoga, gentle Pilates or dance tutorials on YouTube (e.g. Yoga with Adriene), live streams from YMCA (US/Canada), the NHS Get Active at Home (UK), the Heart Foundation (Australia) or Sport NZ. Aim for 10–15-minute sessions, two or three times a day.
What hobbies or online activities can help me pass the time and stay engaged?
Mix up mental, creative and social pursuits:
Mental: Jigsaws, crosswords or Sudoku (The Guardian, New York Times).
Creative: Painting, knitting or adult colouring via craft-store YouTube channels.
Social/Exploratory: Virtual museum tours (British Museum, Smithsonian, Te Papa), language apps (Duolingo, Babbel), local library e-book clubs.
See our posts on hobbies.
How do I cope with loneliness and maintain my mental wellbeing?
Structure your day—morning tea or coffee break, midday movement stretch, evening journaling. Mindfulness and breathing apps (Headspace, Calm, Smiling Mind in Australia) are available globally. A light-therapy lamp can help with seasonal mood dips. Reach out for a brief chat—Samaritans (UK: 116 123), 988 Lifeline (US), Canada Suicide Prevention Service (1 833 456 4566), Lifeline Australia (13 11 14), or Lifeline NZ (0800 543 354).
Read this post for more insight.
Where can I find local support services (meals, errands, companionship) for housebound people?
UK: Your local council’s adult social care team or Age UK.
USA/Canada: Area Agencies on Aging (aging .us or ca), Meals on Wheels, local United Way chapters (dial 211 in Canada).
Australia: My Aged Care (1800 200 422), COTA.
New Zealand: Age Concern (0800 650 600), Disability Connect.
Community Facebook and Nextdoor groups in all five countries also organise volunteer help.
How can I manage my medications and medical appointments from home?
Sign up for your GP/primary-care online portal: NHS App (UK), MyChart (US/Canada), Healthdirect (Australia), My Health Account (NZ). Order repeat prescriptions or refills online, and book telehealth/video consultations. Use reminder apps (Medisafe, MyTherapy) or an automatic pill dispenser. Ask if home-visit nurses or mobile pharmacy services are available.
What options are there for home maintenance, repairs or handyman services?
UK: Rated People, MyBuilder, Facebook local groups.
USA: Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack.
Canada: HomeStars, Handy.
Australia: Hipages, ServiceSeeking.
New Zealand: NoCowboys, Builderscrack.
National chains (HomeServe UK, Mr. Handyman in North America) may offer subscription plans. Always check reviews, verify insurance and, if possible, have someone “virtually” supervise via video call.
Are there good online courses or tutorials for learning new skills at home?
Global platforms like Coursera, FutureLearn and Udemy cover thousands of topics.
UK: OpenLearn (Open University).
Canada: ALISON.
Australia: Open Universities Australia.
New Zealand: Open Polytechnic.
YouTube is packed with free tutorials—search for live workshops in your own time zone or join interactive Q&A sessions.
Which helplines, apps or resources can I use if I need urgent help or advice?
Medical emergencies: dial 999 (UK), 911 (US/Canada), 000 (Australia), 111 (NZ).
Non-emergency medical advice: NHS 111 (UK), Healthdirect 1800 022 222 (AU), 811 (Canada), 811 (NZ); or your country’s equivalent nurse-triage line.
Mental-health support: Samaritans UK (116 123), Lifeline 988 (US), Canada Suicide Prevention (1 833 456 4566), Lifeline 13 11 14 (AU), Lifeline 0800 543 354 (NZ).
Social-care advice: Age UK (0800 169 65 65), Eldercare Locator US (1 800 677 1116), 211 Canada, My Aged Care AU, Age Concern NZ.