Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this for?
These toolkits were created for adult family carers — people supporting parents, grandparents, relatives, or close friends to stay safe and independent at home.
They’re especially helpful if you’re juggling work, family life, and caring responsibilities, and need clear, practical guidance you can trust.
So many carers feel unsure, overwhelmed, or worried about doing things wrong — you are not alone, and nothing in these guides requires previous experience.
What’s included in the toolkits?
Each toolkit contains a combination of:
- Step-by-step safe moving & handling guides
- Quick-reference checklists
- Practical advice on safe techniques and equipment
- Additional resources, depending on the package you choose
Everything focuses on safe, widely available equipment that family carers can use confidently at home.
(We don’t cover equipment such as turning aids, standing aids, or hoists — these require specialist assessment and hands-on training.)
What makes this different from free advice online?
Unlike generic tips, all Handlewell resources are:
- Written by a qualified, registered Occupational Therapist
- Based on real-life clinical practice and professional caring experience
- Informed by lived family caring experience
- Professionally edited, fact-checked, and designed for clarity
- Written by someone with professional experience and caring experience who looks at care from all aspects.
You’re not getting random advice — you’re getting safe, reliable, OT-created guidance you can use immediately.
What exactly do I get when I purchase?
This depends on the toolkit you choose.
- 9 step-by-step safe moving & handling guides
- 9 matching quick-reference checklists
- International Companion Guide
- Competence & Confidence Tracker Tool
- Bonus: Who to Ask for Help guide
Includes everything in Essentials, plus:
- 12 expert guides (OT assessments, equipment, social care, adaptations, etc.)
- Emergency Falls Response Bonus Guide
- Personalised Confidence & Competence Tracker
- Live Q&A Session (with replay access)
- Bonus: Ask Me 3 — personalised video answers to your top questions
All resources are digital, easy to print, and ready for immediate use.
How quickly can I start using the guides?
Straight away.
As soon as you purchase, you’ll receive your download link and can start reading, printing, and using the guides immediately.
How do I access the content?
After purchase, you’ll receive a secure link to download all your resources as PDF files.
You can view them on any device — or print them if you prefer.
(Some carers choose to print the guides and keep them in a folder for quick reference.)
What’s the difference between Essentials and Premium?
Essentials gives you the core guides and checklists to support everyday care safely.
Premium includes the Essentials Toolkit plus advanced expert guidance, personalised support, and live advice.
That’s why most carers choose Premium — especially when their loved one’s needs are changing or more complex.
I already bought Essentials. Can I upgrade to Premium later?
Yes — anytime.
Just choose the Premium Upgrade, and you’ll only pay the difference.
Is this a subscription?
No. This is a one-time purchase. You pay once, and the resources are yours to keep forever — no hidden fees or recurring charges.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Absolutely. If you feel the toolkits haven’t given you clear, practical support, simply contact me within 30 days for a full refund — no questions asked.
Your confidence matters to me.
Is it safe to follow these guides without professional training?
Yes. Every guide is designed to be safe, gentle, and suitable for family carers.
The techniques are:
- low-risk
- commonly used in day-to-day care
- based on best-practice Occupational Therapy principles
- explained step by step with clear do’s and don’ts
Anything requiring specialist training or in-person assessment is highlighted, and you are informed where you can get support with that.
Your safety — and your loved one’s safety — always comes first.
Is this safe for me to use if I’m older, not very strong, or have my own health issues?
Yes — absolutely.
These guides are designed specifically for family carers, including those who:
- are older
- have limited mobility
- have back pain or low strength
- feel anxious about doing the wrong thing
The techniques focus on:
- low-risk movements
- body-friendly positioning
- avoiding lifting
- reducing strain on your back and shoulders
You do not need to be physically strong.
The goal is to use safer methods, not force.
If something requires specialist training or would put you or your loved one at risk, it is highlighted, and you are informed about where to obtain specialist support.
Your safety is just as important as your loved one’s.
Are these techniques based on professional best practice?
Yes. Everything in the toolkits is based on:
· evidence-based Occupational Therapy practice
· professional moving & handling standards
· NHS and social care guidelines
· real-life clinical experience supporting thousands of families
You are learning techniques used every day by OTs to keep people safe at home.
Will this help if my loved one has dementia, frailty, or more complex mobility needs?
Yes. The techniques in the Carer’s Toolkits are designed to support a wide range of common care situations — including dementia, frailty, weakness, mobility decline, and fluctuating or changing needs.
Everything is written to be:
- gentle and adaptable
- safe for both you and your loved one
- suitable for people who struggle with balance, memory, or confidence
- clear enough to guide you even in confusing or stressful moments
However, if someone has very complex needs or requires specialised equipment (like hoists or stand aids), the guides will help you stay safe while you wait for professional support — but they don’t replace a personalised Occupational Therapy assessment.
Additionally, the Premium Toolkit includes personalised support and a live Q&A session where you can ask specific questions.
How long will it take me to learn the techniques?
Most carers start using the guides within minutes.
They are designed for busy people and are:
- short
- simple
- clear
- practical
You don’t need to study anything — you can dip in and out as you need, and the quick-reference checklists make it even easier.
Can I use this guide if I live outside the UK?
Yes. Most of the advice is universal. Where services differ, the International Companion Guide will help you find similar support and understand how to access help and adaptations in your country.
I’m not a professional — will I understand it?
Yes. Everything is written in simple language:
- No jargon
- No overwhelm
- Just clear, step-by-step support
Perfect for anyone feeling unsure or wanting to build confidence.
Will this replace an OT assessment?
No. It isn’t a substitute for a personalised Occupational Therapy assessment.
But it offers immediate, practical guidance while you wait for an assessment or need support right now.
Can I use this if I live far away from my loved one?
Absolutely. You can print any guide or checklist and leave it with your loved one or someone supporting them.
Many carers use these resources to coordinate long-distance care or to brief visiting carers.
Who created the guides?
All resources were created by Monica Iofciu, a qualified and registered Occupational Therapist, former professional carer, and family carer.
You can learn more about my background on the About Me page.
Can I contact you if I have questions?
Yes — of course.
If you’re unsure which toolkit is right for you or have a question about your caring situation, you can get in touch anytime. I’m always happy to help family carers feel safer and more supported.
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