What to expect when starting home health care

Deciding to bring home health care into your family's life is a big step. You might feel relieved, nervous, or a mix of both. All of that is normal.

Here's what the process actually looks like so you know what's coming.

The first phone call

It starts with a conversation. When you call us at (952) 256-4240 or submit a referral online, we'll ask some basic questions about your loved one's situation.

• What kind of help do they need right now?
• Do they live alone or with family?
• Are there any medical conditions we should know about?
• Is there a case manager or social worker involved?

Think of it less as an interview and more as us just listening. Most calls take about 15 minutes.

The in-home assessment

Within a few days, a care coordinator will visit your loved one's home. This visit is about getting the full picture. Not just medical needs, but daily routines, preferences, personality. The things that make your loved one who they are.

We'll look at:

• How they move around the house
• What daily tasks they need help with
• Their favorite activities and social habits
• Any safety concerns in the home

Your loved one's input matters most here. We want to hear from them about what a good day looks like and where they'd like support.

Building the care plan

Based on the assessment, we put together a care plan tailored to your loved one. It covers:

• Which services they'll receive (companion care, homemaker support, respite care, etc.)
• How many hours per week
• What times of day work best
• Specific goals and preferences

You'll review this plan before anything starts. If something doesn't feel right, we adjust it. It's a living document, not a contract set in stone.

Meeting the caregiver

We put real thought into matching caregivers with the people they'll care for. It's not random. We consider personality, experience, language, and schedule.

Before the first visit, you'll know who's coming. We'll share their background and experience so there are no surprises at the door.

And if the match doesn't feel right after a few visits, just tell us. We'll find someone who's a better fit.

The first visit

The first day is mostly about building comfort. Your caregiver will introduce themselves, get to know the home, and start with the basics. Nobody's rushing in to rearrange everything.

Expect them to:

• Spend extra time getting to know your loved one
• Ask questions about routines and preferences
• Start with lighter tasks to build trust
• Check in with you or your family afterward

It might feel a little awkward at first. That's true of any new relationship. Most families tell us it starts feeling natural within a week or two.

How to prepare your home

You don't need to do anything dramatic. A few simple things help:

• Clear a space for the caregiver to set down their things
• Write down medications and where they're kept
• Share emergency contacts and any important phone numbers
• Let your loved one know someone new is coming and why

The more your loved one feels included in the decision, the smoother the transition will be.

Setting expectations with family

Home care works best when everyone is on the same page. Before services begin, it helps to have a quick family conversation about:

• What the caregiver will and won't be doing
• How updates will be shared (phone calls, written notes, etc.)
• Who the main point of contact will be
• How to bring up concerns if they come up

We're always available to answer questions or join a family meeting if that would help.

Getting started

Starting home care is about giving your loved one more support and giving your family some breathing room. We've walked hundreds of Minnesota families through this process.

If you're ready, give us a call at (952) 256-4240 or submit a referral online.