Tips for First-Time Live-In Caregiver Employers

3. Establish Clear Rules

Once you’ve finalized an agreement with a childcare provider or patient caregiver, it’s time to discuss household rules and expectations. Clearly outlining these in writing can make the transition easier. On the caregiver’s first day, start with a conversation like: “Let’s go over the house rules and daily routines.”

a. Daily Routine

• Set clear working hours. Define when their shift begins in the morning, break times, and when they are expected to finish their duties in the evening. Allow some flexibility for unexpected situations.
• Create a daily task schedule. Outline morning, afternoon, and evening responsibilities, prioritizing key tasks.
• If the caregiver is also expected to assist with household chores, specify these tasks clearly.
• If the caregiver needs to assist at night, such as tending to a child or patient, communicate this in advance. However, if they are up too frequently, it may affect their ability to perform well the next day. Balance their duties accordingly.
• Once their work is done for the day, they should feel comfortable retreating to their private space. Otherwise, they may end up spending the entire evening with you and your spouse!
• If there is no second bathroom, establish a schedule for bathroom use during busy morning hours.

b. Privacy Guidelines  

• Personal care tasks such as dressing, hygiene, and grooming for a child or elderly individual should be conducted privately.
• The caregiver’s personal space and belongings should be respected by all household members.
• The caregiver should not access or handle family members’ personal belongings without permission.
• Emphasize the importance of keeping family matters private and not sharing them with others.

c. Safety Guidelines

• The home address and family members’ phone numbers should not be shared with third parties.
• The caregiver should never post pictures of children, elderly individuals, or patients on social media.
• When someone knocks on the door, the caregiver should confirm their identity before opening it.
• The child, patient, or elderly person should never be left alone at home, even for a short period.
• If the caregiver needs to take the child or patient outside, they must first obtain permission from the family.
• Ensure the caregiver knows whom to contact and what to do in case of an emergency.
• Provide instructions on the safe use of household appliances.
• Train the caregiver on how to respond in case of an earthquake, fire, gas leak, or other emergencies.

d. Hygiene Guidelines

• Childcare or elderly caregivers should wash their hands frequently, especially before and after caregiving tasks and meal preparation.
• Personal hygiene should be maintained, including trimmed nails, regular showers, and clean clothing.
• Items used for infant or patient care should be cleaned and stored hygienically.
• The kitchen and caregiving areas should be kept clean at all times.

This concludes our guide on tips for first-time live-in caregiver employers. At Lamer Consulting, we are here to help families find reliable, experienced caregivers who match their needs. From the hiring process to long-term follow-up, our expert consultants support you every step of the way.

If you are looking for a trustworthy caregiver to care for your loved ones, feel free to contact us!