Preparing Your Home for a Caregiver

Nothing is more important on day one than clarity around medication. Prepare this before the caregiver walks in.

• A written, up-to-date medication list — name, dose, time, purpose
• A weekly pill organiser filled and clearly labelled
• All medications stored together in one cupboard or drawer
• A note of any recent changes or upcoming refills needed

Print a single page — large font, put it on the fridge or beside the phone. Include:

• Family members (with priority order for who to call first)
• GP and any specialists, with rooms and after-hours numbers
• Pharmacy
• Medical aid — provider, plan and member number
• Nearest hospital
• A neighbour or local friend who can help in a real emergency

Your caregiver doesn't need every detail — just the essentials that shape safe care.

• Current diagnoses and any recent hospital admissions
• All medications and known allergies
• Mobility level and any physio recommendations
• Dietary needs, textures and food dislikes
• Cognitive status and any communication preferences

Agree in advance how your caregiver will get in. Arriving to a locked door on day one is a stressful start for everyone.

• A key handed over, or a secure keysafe with the code shared privately
• Alarm code and instructions if the house is alarmed
• Any gate remote or intercom access
• Parking arrangements

The little things make a big difference. Take fifteen minutes to walk your caregiver through the rhythm of a typical day.

• Wake and sleep times, and any morning or bedtime rituals
• Meal preferences, textures, and 'never miss' foods
• Favourite TV shows, music, and quiet times
• How your loved one likes their tea/coffee — small, but it matters

• Preferred names — first name, nickname, or 'Mr/Mrs'?
• Cultural or religious observances that shape the day
• Home language and any communication preferences
• Things that comfort — a specific blanket, a photo, a certain radio station
• Things that upset or overwhelm — noise, crowds, certain topics

Alignment upfront prevents most misunderstandings. Discuss openly:

• What tasks are included — and what falls outside the scope
• How you'd like to receive daily updates (short note, WhatsApp, phone call)
• What counts as an 'urgent' reason to call you immediately
• How to handle refusals of care with dignity
• Any household rules — shoes off, pets, no cooking a specific food, etc.

Your caregiver is a professional — but also a human being spending long hours in your home. A little hospitality goes a very long way.

• A small space for their bag and personal belongings
• Access to a glass of water, tea and something small to eat
• The wifi password written down
• A clean bathroom they can use
• A warm welcome and a real introduction to your loved one

• Medication list printed and up to date
• Weekly pill organiser filled
• Emergency contacts printed and posted
• Medical history summary written
• Keys, alarm codes and access arrangements confirmed
• Daily routine documented and shared
• Preferences and 'must-haves' communicated
• Scope of care agreed in writing
• Communication method agreed with the family
• A warm welcome ready — a cup of tea and a proper introduction