The Live-in Care Starter Checklist: What to Have Ready Before Day One

The start of live-in care is a big and welcome milestone, and a little preparation beforehand helps everything get off to the smoothest possible start. It means your loved one's carer can settle in quickly, and it saves a scramble on the day itself.

None of it is complicated, and we will guide you through all of it before care begins. But if you like to feel organised and ahead of things, here is a friendly checklist of what to have ready before day one.

The carer's room

A live-in carer needs their own private bedroom, somewhere comfortable to sleep and to retreat to during their breaks. Good rest is what allows them to give attentive care through the day, so this really matters. Before they arrive, it helps to have:

• a clean, comfortable bedroom set aside just for the carer, with a proper bed and fresh bedding
• somewhere to store their clothes and belongings, such as a wardrobe or drawers
• clean towels
• a little space made in the bathroom for their things
• access to somewhere they can make a cup of tea and have some quiet time

It does not need to be large or fancy. It simply needs to be their own private, comfortable space.

The information to share

The more your loved one's carer understands from the outset, the more quickly they can provide truly personal care. Much of this will already have been captured during the assessment and in the care plan, but it helps to have the following ready to talk through:

• Medical information: conditions, allergies, and anything the carer should be aware of
• Medication details: what is taken, when, and how, along with the pharmacy details
• GP and health contacts: the surgery, and any other professionals involved, such as a district nurse or physiotherapist
• Emergency contacts: who to call, and in what order
• Daily routines: when your loved one likes to wake, eat, rest and go to bed
• Likes and dislikes: favourite foods, programmes, hobbies, and how they like things done
• The little things: how they take their tea, which chair is theirs, the small preferences that make a person feel at home

You know your loved one better than anyone, so sharing these details generously, especially the small, personal ones, makes an enormous difference.

Medication and pharmacy

It is worth making sure medication is in good order before care starts, so nothing is missed in the early days:

• a current, up-to-date supply of all medications
• the repeat prescription arrangements clear, and the pharmacy informed that a carer will be supporting collection
• any medication aids, such as a dispenser or blister pack, ready if used

Food and the kitchen

Your loved one's carer will often help with cooking and shopping, so a little groundwork helps:

• a reasonably stocked kitchen for the first few days
• a clear idea of any dietary needs, allergies or preferences
• a note of where the local shops are
• a conversation about food arrangements, whether you share the household shopping or use a separate allowance for the carer, so everyone is clear from the start

Keys, access and the practicalities

A few simple practical things make the first day much easier:

• a set of keys arranged for the carer
• clear instructions for any alarm system
• the wifi name and password, as staying connected matters for the carer and for updates to you
• a note of how things work in the home: the heating, the boiler, the washing machine, the quirks every house has
• bin days, and anything else about the weekly rhythm of the home

The home itself

Your loved one's carer will help keep the home safe, but a quick look around before they arrive is worthwhile:

• clear walkways, and any obvious trip hazards dealt with
• good lighting, especially on stairs and landings
• any mobility aids, such as frames or grab rails, in place and working
• a tidy, welcoming space for everyone to start in

Our guide to making a home safe for an older person has more, if it would help.

Preparing your loved one, and yourselves

Not everything on the list is practical. The emotional preparation matters just as much:

• talk to your loved one about what to expect, gently and positively, so the day does not come as a surprise
• if you can, arrange the introductory call beforehand, so the carer is a friendly voice rather than a stranger on arrival
• plan a calm, unhurried first day, without too much else going on
• and give everyone permission to take a little time to settle, because the first few days are an adjustment, and that is completely normal

We will be with you

The most reassuring thing of all is this: you do not have to get all of this perfectly right on your own. We help you prepare every step of the way, we talk through the practicalities before care begins, and your care team is only a phone call away if a question comes up.

Think of this checklist as a helpful head start, not a test. With a little preparation and our support, day one can be calm, warm and the beginning of something genuinely good. You can read more about what comes next in our guide to the first week of live-in care.

If you have any questions as you get ready, we are always happy to help.

Book a free care advice call, or give us a ring on 020 3970 9900.