The first visit from a new caregiver can feel strange, both for the person receiving care and for the family. A little preparation helps everyone relax and makes the first visits more useful.
Practical things
- Access: agree how the caregiver gets in. Some families use a key safe; tell the agency the code privately, never in a group message.
- A short contact sheet: family phone numbers, the doctor’s office and the pharmacy, kept somewhere easy to find.
- Medication: keep medicines together in one place, with the current list from the pharmacy. Ask the agency what help caregivers can and cannot give.
- Clear paths: move loose rugs and cables from the routes your relative uses most, and check that hallways and stairs are well lit.
The personal things that matter
Caregivers do their best work when they know the person, not just the tasks. Jot down a few notes for the care plan:
- How they like their tea or coffee, and favourite meals.
- Their usual routine for getting up, washing and going to bed.
- Topics they love to talk about, and any they would rather avoid.
- Names of family members, friends and pets they mention often.
If you can, be there for part of the first visit. Introduce the caregiver, show them around, then step back so your relative and the caregiver can start getting to know each other.