Care process
Start of care
Start of care is the day a caregiver begins working with a client under an agreed plan. It follows intake and matching. It often includes a walk-through of the home, a review of routines and a chance to meet the family.
Why it matters for your family
The first visit sets the tone. Plan to be present, if possible. Show where supplies, medicine lists and emergency numbers are kept. Share the care plan and routines the person likes. Explain what the caregiver should and should not do. HomeCare.com caregivers give medication reminders, not medication administration. A common mistake is to assume the caregiver already knows everything. Walk through the day and the home. Agree on how to reach you, and how updates will come. Ask how to report a problem. Expect a short adjustment period. Review how it went after a week or two and adjust the plan.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: What is Home Care? How to Benefit from These Services?
Related terms
- IntakeIntake is the first step in starting care, when a provider gathers basic information about the person, their needs, location and family contacts.
- Caregiver matchA caregiver match is the pairing of a caregiver with a client based on needs, skills, schedule, location and personality.
- Care planA care plan is a written plan that lists a person's needs, goals, tasks, schedule and who does what.
- Care logA care log is a running record of care that has been given, such as meals, medicine reminders, outings, falls and mood.
- Daily care notesDaily care notes are short written updates a caregiver leaves after each shift.
- Caregiver scheduleA caregiver schedule lists which caregiver works with a client, on which days and during which hours.
