In the first week of home care, a small team of carers starts visiting at the agreed times, and a manager is usually involved: handing over, introducing the carers to the family and checking that everyone is settled. At Starling Homecare the aim of that week is simple: a safe, stable arrangement and a parent who feels comfortable.
To talk anything through with someone local, our Harpenden team is on 01582 824 830.
You might be counting down to the first visit with a mix of relief and nerves. It can be hard to hand over something you have been doing yourself, and you might wonder how Mum will take to someone new in her kitchen. If you live some distance away, not being there for the first visits can add to that.
The first week is something our team plans carefully every time, and there is a clear shape to it. You do not have to hold it all together on your own.
What happens in the first week of home care?
The first week is about settling in. Care follows the plan you agreed, and the team pays close attention to how it feels for your mum.
- A small care team. We allocate a small care team based on your mum's needs, so the faces she sees become familiar.
- A manager alongside. A manager is usually involved, handing over to the carers and introducing them to the family.
- Visits at the agreed times. Carers arrive when agreed and do what was agreed in the care plan, which is written with you before care starts.
- Checking it is working. The manager makes sure the team is settled, the arrangement is stable and safe, and your mum is as comfortable as possible.
Our guide to how care starts explains the steps that come before this week, including meeting the carer before care begins.
Will Mum see the same carers?
As far as we can arrange it, yes. Our visiting care page explains that we aim for the same carers, and when a regular carer is on leave, cover comes from within that team wherever possible.
That small, consistent team is what lets carers learn the details: how she likes her tea, which chair she prefers, and what tends to make a morning go well.
How can you help the first week go smoothly?
A little preparation helps new carers feel at home quickly. The NHS guidance on carers' breaks suggests that anyone stepping in should have door keys or the key safe code, and that written notes on care needs and essential information on medicines are left somewhere easy to find. You could also:
- Jot down the small things that matter to Mum, such as her usual breakfast or a favourite radio station.
- Tell us about anything she finds difficult to talk about, so carers can approach it gently.
- Agree who in the family is the main contact, so messages do not get lost between brothers and sisters.
- Be there for the first visit if you can, or ring afterwards to hear how it went.
How will you know how it is going?
Every visit is recorded on our digital care system. With your mum's permission, family members can read the visit notes, which is a quiet reassurance if you are at work or live further away.
The manager involved in the first week is also there for you. If something does not feel right, tell us early: a visit time that clashes with her routine, a task she would rather do herself, or a carer she has not warmed to. Visits can change time, go up or go down as you all find what works.
What if Mum finds it hard at first?
Some unease in the first days is understandable. Having someone new in the house is a change, even when the help is wanted. You could try:
- "How did you get on with your carer this morning? What did you talk about?"
- "Is there anything you'd like done differently? They'd want to know."
- "You're still in charge. If a time doesn't suit you, we can move it."
If there is a need to change a carer, we will. It is rare, because our carers are carefully selected and trained. If your mum feels uncomfortable for any reason, we support her to find a better match.
How Starling Homecare can help
Getting the first week right is what lets care become an ordinary, reassuring part of your mum's week, and lets you step back into being her son or daughter. Our visiting care can include:
- Visiting care from 30 minute visits, seven days a week between 7am and 10pm.
- Personal care and medication prompting and support.
- Meal preparation, help around the house and companionship.
- Post-hospital support, if the first week follows a stay in hospital.
- Overnight care or live-in care later, if needs grow.
Carers notice changes, encourage your mum, keep you informed and pass concerns to her GP where needed. They do not give injections or carry out clinical tasks. If a hospital stay is behind this, our guide to home care after hospital in Harpenden may help, and if you live further away, see our article on caring for elderly parents from a distance.
Areas we cover
Starling Homecare's carers visit people at home in St Albans, Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Tring, Radlett and Shenley, Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield, Potters Bar, Hitchin and Hertford, and we arrange live-in care across Hertfordshire.
For the wider picture, see our guide for families worried about an elderly parent. Locally, here is how we provide home care in Harpenden, including Batford and Southdown.
Frequently asked questions
Who will come in the first week of home care?
With Starling Homecare, a small care team allocated around your parent's needs, so the same faces become familiar. A manager is usually involved too, handing over to the carers, introducing them to the family and checking that the team is settled, the arrangement is safe and stable, and your parent is comfortable.
Can I see what happens at each visit?
Yes, with your parent's permission. Every Starling Homecare visit is recorded on our digital care system, and family members can read the visit notes. If you work or live further away, it is a practical way to see how the day went, alongside a phone call to the team.
Can home care in Harpenden start this week?
It can. Our Harpenden team, on 01582 824 830, arranges visiting care across the town, including Batford and Southdown. In urgent situations care can usually start within a day or two. Before the first visit there is a care plan and a written quote, and your parent can meet their carer before care begins.
If your mum or dad lives in Harpenden and the first week is coming up, or you are still deciding, our Harpenden team is on 01582 824 830. You will be talking to someone who arranges care every day and plans each first week with care.
Guidance checked on 26 October 2026 against the NHS and Starling Homecare's visiting care and how care starts pages.
Arranging Care Is Simple
Starting care can feel like a big step. We keep it calm and straightforward, and we are here to guide you from your very first call.
1. Talk to us
Get in touch by phone or request a callback. We will listen, answer your questions and help you understand the options, so you can decide what feels right in your own time.
2. A home visit and initial consultation
We arrange a visit to understand your routines, your home and what matters most to you. Together we agree an initial consultation and shape the support that feels right.
3. Your care begins
A small, familiar team starts your care, arriving at the agreed times and staying involved as your needs change. We remain your trusted adviser throughout.
Whenever you are ready, we are here to help.