Choose one point of contact
Decide who in the family talks to the provider, so messages don't get crossed. It can be you, a sibling, or a neighbour your parent trusts.
Write down the basics
- Their usual routine and what a good day looks like
- Likes, dislikes and the way they like things done
- Important contacts: family, neighbours and their doctor
- Where things are kept, and who has a spare key
Plan for the unexpected
Agree in advance who gets the call if a visit is missed or something isn't right, and who can get to the house quickly. Having it decided makes the hard day easier.
Stay in the loop without hovering
Ask how you'll hear about visits: when your parent's carer is on the way, has arrived and when the visit's done. Knowing it's happening is often all you need, and it leaves your parent in charge of the visit itself.
Keep talking to your parent
Whatever you arrange, ask them how it's going. A short, regular call tells you more than any report, and it keeps the decisions theirs.
