Free Help Sheets

Practical ideas for balancing compassion with self-care Caring for a partner who is unwell, disabled, or growing frail can be deeply meaningful — but it can also be exhausting. When someone depends on you, it’s easy to put your own needs aside until you feel drained or invisible. Looking after yourself isn’t selfish; it helps you stay strong and sustain the care you give. ​ Acknowledge how demanding caring can be Caring is both an act of love and hard work. It can bring pride

Practical ideas for maintaining wellbeing while supporting someone else Caring for a partner, parent, or friend can be rewarding, but it can also take a toll on your energy, health, and mood. When you’re focused on another person’s needs, it’s easy to forget your own. Self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s what allows you to keep going, stay kind, and avoid burnout. ​ Acknowledge that balance takes effort Caring can easily take over every hour of the day. It’s normal to feel torn be

Practical ideas for maintaining closeness, respect, and enjoyment together Long relationships naturally evolve. Health issues, retirement, or family changes can all affect how partners relate to one another. Yet later life can also bring deeper appreciation, humour, and companionship — if you keep investing in small daily gestures that nurture connection. Strong relationships aren’t about avoiding problems but about staying curious, kind, and flexible as you both change. ​ Va

Practical ideas for keeping conversations clear, confident, and connected Good communication helps maintain strong relationships, but it can become more difficult with age. Changes in hearing, confidence, or social contact can make conversation harder. By using a few practical strategies, it’s possible to keep communication warm, clear, and enjoyable. ​ Notice what affects your conversations You may find it harder to hear in busy places, lose your train of thought, or feel ne

Practical ideas for maintaining harmony, closeness, and shared purpose Retirement brings big changes to daily life and relationships. With more time together and fewer outside distractions, couples often discover both new joys and new challenges. Adjusting to this stage takes understanding, patience, and a willingness to grow together in different ways. Small, steady efforts can help you stay connected and keep your relationship strong. ​ Recognise that retirement changes the

Practical ideas for rebuilding closeness, trust, and connection After years of change, loss, or emotional distance, many people long to feel close to someone again — whether within an existing relationship or by opening up to new companionship. Intimacy isn’t only physical; it’s about feeling understood, valued, and emotionally safe. With patience and openness, closeness can return in later life in ways that feel natural and fulfilling. ​ Acknowledge what intimacy means to yo

Practical ideas for repairing closeness after tension or hurt Every relationship experiences moments of misunderstanding or disappointment. Trust can be shaken by conflict, distance, or mistakes — but it doesn’t have to be lost forever. Rebuilding it takes honesty, patience, and consistent effort from both people. With time, small acts of care can restore confidence and bring back emotional safety. ​ Acknowledge what happened Avoiding the issue can make mistrust grow stronger

Practical ideas for adjusting to new routines and keeping harmony at home Retirement changes the rhythm of daily life for both partners. Time once spent at work is now shared at home, bringing new opportunities for companionship — and new challenges around space, habits, and expectations. Adjusting takes patience and communication, but with care, living together after retirement can strengthen your relationship and sense of teamwork. ​ Acknowledge that life at home has change

Practical ideas for easing tension and improving understanding Disagreements are part of every close relationship, especially during times of stress or change. Conflict doesn’t have to mean shouting or distance — it can be a way to understand each other better if handled calmly and kindly. Learning to respond rather than react helps protect both your peace of mind and your relationships. ​ Recognise when tension is rising Arguments often build from small frustrations. Notice

Practical ideas for staying connected and resilient together Life in later years brings many changes — retirement, health issues, moving home, or the loss of friends and family. Even positive change can be unsettling. When you and your partner face new circumstances, the way you support each other matters as much as the change itself. Understanding, patience, and teamwork can make transitions smoother and strengthen your bond. ​ Recognise that change affects both of you Each

Practical ideas for restoring warmth, closeness, and understanding Long relationships naturally change over time. Daily pressures, health concerns, retirement, or loss can create emotional distance even when you still care deeply for one another. Reconnection doesn’t always require grand gestures — small, consistent acts of kindness and curiosity can gradually rebuild closeness and trust. ​ Notice what has changed Emotional distance often grows quietly. You may talk less, avo

Practical ideas for restoring calm, understanding, and balance at home Retirement brings new freedom and time together, but it can also unsettle long-standing routines. Spending more hours in the same space, adjusting to financial or lifestyle changes, and redefining roles can all lead to friction. Tension in a relationship after retirement is common — with patience and open communication, it can also become an opportunity to grow closer. ​ Recognise that change affects both