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The first week with a live-in carer is a time of getting to know each other. A little preparation, and realistic expectations, help everyone settle quickly.
Before the carer arrives
- Make up the carer's room with clean bedding, somewhere to hang clothes and a bedside light
- Write down the Wi-Fi password, how the heating works and where the stopcock is
- Leave the care plan, medication list and GP details somewhere easy to find
- Tell neighbours and regular visitors that a carer is coming
Day one: the handover
If you can, be there when the carer arrives. Walk them round the house, explain the routine and introduce them properly. Small details matter - how your relative takes their tea, which chair is theirs, the programmes they never miss.
Days two to four: finding a rhythm
The carer will follow the routine closely at first and adjust as they learn what works. It's normal for your relative to be a little guarded. Try not to hover - give them space to build trust - but keep in touch by phone.
Breaks and time off
Live-in carers take a daily break, usually around two hours, when they can rest or go out. Plan who will be around, or whether your relative is fine alone, at those times. Agree too how food shopping works and how you'll keep in touch.
End of the week: check in honestly
Talk to your relative and the carer separately about how it's going. Small adjustments are normal. If the match really isn't working, tell us - it is better to change early than to carry on unhappily.