A short checklist that makes the first week of home care calmer for everyone — the client, the family and the caregiver.
Start with access. Decide how the caregiver enters, where keys live, and who to call if nobody answers the door. It sounds trivial until the first morning.
Write down the routine, not just the tasks. What time does the day start, which chair is the good chair, which mug is the right mug. Preferences are what make care feel like care.
Clear the walkways. Loose rugs, extension cords and cluttered hallways are the most common causes of falls we see, and they are the easiest to fix.
Put the important information in one visible place: medication list, clinicians, emergency contacts, allergies, and the hospital your family prefers.
Finally, be present for the first visit if you can. Twenty minutes of introduction saves weeks of adjustment.
