How to Prepare Your Home for an In-Home Carer

Safety Basics

Before your carer starts, walk through your home with fresh eyes and address common hazards. Your carer will be moving around your home — sometimes while supporting you physically — so a safe environment protects both of you.

Key safety checks:

• Trip hazards: remove or secure loose rugs, clear clutter from walkways, tape down any cables or cords that cross floor space
• Lighting: ensure bright, even lighting in hallways, stairs, bathrooms, and anywhere care will be delivered. Night lights are helpful if you need assistance after dark
• Bathroom: install grab rails near the toilet and in the shower if not already in place. Non-slip mats inside the shower and on the bathroom floor prevent slips. Check that the hot water temperature is set below 50°C to prevent scalding
• Bedroom: ensure there's enough space around the bed for your carer to assist you safely. A bedside table with a lamp, water, and your phone within reach is practical
• Smoke alarms: check they're working — it's a basic safety requirement that's easy to overlook
• First aid kit: keep one accessible and let your carer know where it is

You don't need to renovate your home or achieve perfection. Even small improvements — better lighting, clearing a walkway, adding a grab rail — can significantly reduce risk. An occupational therapist can assess your home and recommend modifications, which may be funded through your NDIS plan or Support at Home package.

Access and Keys

Think about how your carer will get into your home. This is a practical consideration that's worth planning before the first visit:

• Key or key safe: many participants provide a spare key or install a key safe (a secure lockbox mounted near the door with a PIN code). This allows carers to enter if you're unable to get to the door — especially important for early morning or mobility-limited participants
• Security gates and doors: if your property has security features, make sure your carer knows how they work. A locked gate with no instructions can delay care
• Pets: let your carer know about pets — their names, temperament, and whether they need to be secured during visits. Most carers are comfortable with pets, but it's courteous to mention them
• Parking: if street parking is limited or your property has specific parking arrangements, let your carer know in advance

Information to Have Ready

Having key information prepared before your first visit helps your carer provide the best possible support from day one. Consider gathering:

• Medication list: all current medications, doses, and when they're taken. Include any supplements, creams, or eye drops
• Emergency contacts: family members, your GP, your specialist, and any other key contacts with phone numbers
• Allergies: medication allergies, food allergies, and any environmental sensitivities
• Daily routine: what time you like to wake up, your preferred shower routine, meal times, and any regular activities or appointments
• Preferences: how you like your tea or coffee, whether you prefer conversation during care or quiet, any cultural or religious considerations
• GP and specialist details: names, addresses, and phone numbers for your medical team
• Medical history summary: key conditions, recent hospitalisations, and any ongoing treatment

Your provider will gather much of this during the initial assessment, but having it written down or easily accessible makes the process smoother and ensures nothing is missed.

Making Carers Feel Welcome

Your carers are professionals, but they're also people entering your personal space. A warm welcome sets the tone for a positive working relationship:

• Show them around: where the bathroom is, where cleaning supplies are kept, how the stove works, where you keep your towels — don't assume they'll figure it out
• Explain how things work: the TV remote, the heating system, the locks on the back door — every home is different
• Share your preferences: "I like a strong cup of tea with one sugar," "I prefer to shower before breakfast," "Please don't move the cushions on the couch." These details matter more than you think
• Communicate openly: if something isn't right, say so gently and directly. If something is great, say that too. Open, honest communication from day one prevents misunderstandings and builds trust

Remember — your carers want to do a good job. The more information you give them about your home and your preferences, the better they can support you.

How Evia Health Can Help

At Evia Health, our initial meet and greet is designed to cover all of these practicalities. A registered nurse visits your home, conducts a thorough assessment, discusses your preferences and routine, and develops a personalised care plan. We also do a home safety check and can recommend modifications if needed.

Our consistent care teams mean your carers quickly learn your home, your routine, and your preferences — so every visit feels natural and comfortable, not like explaining everything from scratch to a stranger.

If you're about to start in-home care and want help preparing, get in touch or call us on 0488 689 934. We'll guide you through everything you need to know before your first visit.