TOP5 at home

Home is often the place where people feel most comfortable, but changes in routine, communication or support can still cause confusion, distress or anxiety. TOP5 helps carers identify the strategies that work best at home and share them with others involved in the person’s care.

These insights support care that is safe, respectful and reflects the person’s needs and preferences.

Why TOP5 is helpful at home

TOP5 helps carers:

  • understand what helps the person feel calm and settled
  • recognise triggers that may cause distress
  • support consistent routines
  • share important information with visiting services
  • prepare for transitions to hospital, respite or other care settings

TOP5 ensures that the person’s preferences and needs are clearly understood by everyone providing support.

What to include in a home TOP5

A TOP5 list may include:

  • communication cues
  • morning or evening routines
  • sensory preferences (noise, lighting, touch)
  • strategies that reduce distress or confusion
  • mobility or safety considerations
  • comfort measures that help the person relax
  • activities or objects that provide reassurance

 Examples:

  • “I prefer a quiet start to the morning and need extra time before breakfast.”
  • “I become anxious if plans change suddenly.”
  • “I respond well when given clear, step‑by‑step instructions.”
  • “I settle best when familiar music is playing.”
  • “I prefer warm drinks rather than cold.”

How TOP5 supports care at home

TOP5 can be used:

  • by carers supporting the person day‑to‑day
  • by community workers visiting the home
  • when introducing new routines or activities
  • when behaviours change or the person becomes unsettled
  • to support transitions to hospital, respite or residential care

Sharing TOP5 with visiting services helps everyone respond in a consistent and supportive way.

Working together

Carers create TOP5 based on what works well at home. If community workers or other services visit, they can add observations to help refine the strategies. This shared approach helps the person feel understood and supported in their own environment.

TOP5 can be updated at any time if the person’s needs or preferences change.

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