The first visit is the test run. It is easier for everyone if the practical details are settled in advance, so the carer can spend the time on the person rather than on finding the bathroom light switch.
You do not need to prepare a dossier. One page on the kitchen bench is enough.
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Access
4 checksRoutine and care
6 checksSafety and medical
5 checksThe one-page handover
Write a single page with the routine, the medication list, the emergency contacts and the access details. Put it on the fridge. Tell the carer where it is. Update it when something changes.
This is also the document that helps a locum, an ambulance officer or a family member who arrives in a crisis.
Be honest about the awkward things
Incontinence, body odour, a difficult relationship, a dog that bites, a hoarding room. The carer needs to know, and they have seen it before. Embarrassment is a bigger risk than the truth.
After the visit
Ask three questions: did the person feel comfortable, did the carer do what was agreed, and is there anything to change before next time? Tell the provider, not just the family. The first visit is a draft.
Common questions
Do I need to be home for the first visit?
It helps. You can introduce the carer, show the routine and answer questions. After that, it is optional.
What if the person does not like the carer?
Tell the provider. A different match is usually possible. One awkward visit is not a verdict.
Should I leave a key?
Only with an agreed access plan. A key safe is often safer and easier to manage than a hidden key.
What if the carer is late?
Agree the policy in advance. A short delay happens. Repeated lateness is a management problem.
Can I change the plan after the first visit?
Yes. The first visit is a draft. Tell the provider what to adjust.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your health, call your GP. In an emergency, call 000.