The paperwork is done. The schedule is set. A caregiver is coming on Monday. Here’s what the first week actually looks like — and how to set it up for success.
What to expect from your parent
Expect resistance, at least initially. Even parents who agreed to home care often have complicated feelings when a stranger actually shows up. This is normal and it passes — usually within one to three weeks as trust builds.
The first visit: slow down
The first visit is not about productivity. It’s about introduction. The caregiver should spend time getting to know your parent: their routines, preferences, what they enjoy, what they don’t want anyone touching. A good caregiver asks questions before they start doing things.
What families should do in week one
Be present if possible, but not hovering. For the first visit or two, having a family member nearby (not in the room) can ease the transition.
Introduce, don’t install. Frame the caregiver as a helper and companion, not a nurse or watchdog.
Communicate directly with the caregiver. After the first visit, ask: How did it go? What did you observe?
Give feedback early. If something isn’t working — the timing, the approach, a specific task — say so in the first week.
When to raise concerns
If after two to three weeks your parent is still significantly distressed, or if you have specific concerns about how care is being provided, talk to the agency directly. A caregiver change isn’t a failure — sometimes a different personality makes all the difference.
At Care partners, we match thoughtfully and we adjust when something isn’t working. Contact us if you want to talk through what the transition will look like for your family.