TOP5 in the community

Many people receive support in their own homes or through community‑based services. Community workers often meet people in familiar environments, but changes in routine, communication or support can still cause confusion, distress or anxiety. TOP5 helps workers understand what matters to the person by capturing practical strategies shared by carers.

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

Why TOP5 is helpful in community settings

TOP5 helps community workers:

  • understand how best to communicate with the person
  • recognise triggers that may cause distress
  • respond consistently across different visits or workers
  • support the person to feel calm, safe and comfortable at home
  • provide care that aligns with what matters to the person

Carers often know the person’s routines, preferences and early warning signs. TOP5 ensures this knowledge is shared with community workers so everyone can provide care in a way that works best for the person.

What to include in a community TOP5

A TOP5 list may include:

  • communication cues
  • daily routines that help the person feel settled
  • sensory preferences (noise, lighting, touch)
  • strategies that reduce distress or confusion
  • mobility or safety considerations
  • medication or support routines
  • comfort measures that help the person relax

 Examples:

  • “I prefer reminders written down rather than spoken.”
  • “I become anxious if plans change suddenly.”
  • “I respond well when given extra time to process instructions.”
  • “I prefer quiet environments during personal care.”
  • “I settle best when familiar music is playing.”

How community workers use TOP5

TOP5 can be used:

  • during home visits
  • when introducing new routines or activities
  • when behaviours change or the person becomes unsettled
  • to support consistent care across different workers
  • when coordinating care with other services

TOP5 is shared with all workers involved in the person’s care, helping everyone respond in a consistent and supportive way.

Working together

Carers and community workers create TOP5 together. Carers share what works well at home or in familiar environments, and workers add observations from their visits. This shared approach helps the person feel understood and supported in their own home.

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

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