Being Prepared For Homecare Visits

Practical Planning

Often visits from health and support professionals are carefully timed, so ensure you get the help you need by being well prepared. Access Homehealth Regional Manager Jo Kara has shared some practical suggestions to help readers maintain successful partnerships with support visitors.

If you receive visits from support workers, nurses, and other helpers, be prepared. Have clothing, cleaning items, meal ingredients, soap, towels, and anything else you’re likely to need ready when they arrive!

Cleaning items

Have these items ready to make the best use of your helper’s time.

General cleaning

  • Rubbish bags
  • Broom
  • Floor mop with handle
  • Bucket
  • Dustpan and small brush
  • Cleaning rags (at least 6)
  • Rubber gloves
  • All purpose cleaner such as Handy Andy
  • A vacuum cleaner in good repair
  • Spare vacuum cleaner bags
  • Vacuum cleaner attachments

Access recommends allowing for two cleaning cloths in the bathroom (one for general cleaning and one for the toilet); one cloth for all-purpose use in the kitchen; and a long-handled mop for floors. Cloths can be washed each time and kept in the same place ready for the next visit.

Laundry

  • A washing machine in safe, sound, working order
  • An appropriate size laundry basket or trolley in good condition
  • A clothesline and plenty of pegs
  • A drier (if preferred)
  • Soap powder for washing

Meal preparation and cooking

  • An oven or hot plate in good order
  • Food
  • Safe, appropriate chopping and cooking utensils
  • Dishwasher soap powder or washing liquid
  • Dish washing brushes, cloths, scouring pads etc

Personal care + hygiene

  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Lotions + potions
  • Scent
  • Powder
  • Deodorant
  • Hand and body creams or moisturisers
  • Makeup
  • Brush/comb
  • Underwear
  • Clothing
  • Jewellery
  • Towels and face cloth
  • Bath mat
  • Continence briefs, pads, wipes etc
  • Other preferred toiletries and hygiene items

Our Support At Home sponsor is Access Homehealth, one of New Zealand’s leading healthcare organisations, specialising in home-based healthcare and support for New Zealand families since 1927! Find out more at www.access.org.nz