As our parents get older, small changes in their health can be easy to miss – especially if we don't live with them or see them every day. A few simple checks at home, done regularly and written down, can give early warning of a problem and make every doctor's visit more useful.

You don't need a hospital set-up. A good blood pressure monitor, a pulse oximeter, a thermometer and a notebook (or a note on your phone) are enough for most families.

What to check – and how often

• Blood pressure: especially important if your parent has high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart or kidney disease. Ask their doctor how often to measure – many recommend daily readings for a week before a check-up.
• Oxygen level and pulse: useful during a cough, cold, fever or breathing illness, and for people with asthma, COPD or heart conditions.
• Temperature: whenever they feel unwell. In older adults a fever can be mild even with a serious infection, so look at the whole picture, not just the thermometer.
• Blood sugar: if they have diabetes, as advised by their doctor.
• Weight: once a week, at the same time of day. Sudden weight gain can be a sign of fluid build-up in people with heart problems.

Make it a simple routine

1. Fix a time. For example, after waking up and before morning medicines.
2. Keep all the devices in one place – a small box or drawer – with spare batteries.
3. Keep one log with the date, time, readings and any symptoms. A shared note or a family WhatsApp group works well when brothers and sisters share the care.
4. Teach, don't just do. Show your parent how to use each device and keep large, simple instructions next to it.
5. Review once a week. Look for patterns rather than worrying about a single number.

Warning signs that need a doctor

• Blood pressure much higher or lower than their usual pattern, or dizziness and fainting
• An oxygen level of 92% or lower, or new breathlessness
• A fever lasting more than two days, or any fever with confusion
• Sudden confusion, unusual drowsiness or a change in behaviour
• Chest pain

A drooping face, weakness in one arm or slurred speech can be signs of a stroke. Call for emergency help immediately – every minute matters.

Medicines: the other half of home care

Many older adults take several medicines a day. A weekly pill organiser, a simple medicine list (name, dose and timing) kept in their wallet, and refills ordered before they run out can prevent missed doses and mix-ups. Take all medicines – including supplements – to doctor visits so they can be reviewed together.

Build your home health kit

Start with the two devices most families use every week: an Automatic Digital BP Monitor and a Fingertip Pulse Oximeter. Not sure which device suits your parents? Talk to our team – we are happy to help you choose.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor about your health or the health of a family member.