Command Palette
Search for a command to run...
Your First Visit
Your first visit to a new client sets the tone for everything that follows. Preparation, professionalism, and attention to detail from the very first moment build trust and confidence — for the client, their family, and you.
Before You Arrive
Preparation is essential. Before your first visit to any new client, you must have read the Support Plan and Risk Assessments in full. Arriving prepared shows the client and their family that they are in safe, capable hands.
5 Key Areas to Cover
Support Plan
Read the full Support Plan before your visit and refer to it during your shift. It tells you exactly what care the client needs, how they prefer it to be delivered, and any specific requirements or preferences. Follow it as written.
Risk Assessments
Read all risk assessments before starting any care tasks. These identify hazards specific to the client and their home environment and tell you how to manage them safely.
Emergency Contacts
Identify the client's emergency contacts early. Know who to call, their relationship to the client, and when they should be contacted. This information is in the Support Plan.
Fire Evacuation
Find and read the fire evacuation plan for the client's home. Know where the exits are, where fire safety equipment is located, and what to do in the event of a fire.
Access Arrangements
Understand how you will access the client's home. Access arrangements are documented in the Support Plan. Never accept keys directly from clients — all key arrangements must go through the office.
First Visit Sequence
Read the Support Plan and Risk Assessments before travelling to the client's home
Arrive on time, in full uniform, with your ID badge visible
Introduce yourself clearly — your name, your role, and that you are from First Choice Healthcare
Locate and familiarise yourself with fire exits and the evacuation plan
Identify emergency contact details and confirm access arrangements
Begin care delivery following the Support Plan exactly as written
Record your visit accurately and report any concerns to your manager
Making a Good First Impression
- Be punctual — arriving on time shows respect
- Be warm but professional — introduce yourself with confidence
- Listen actively — the client may be anxious about a new carer
- Ask if there is anything specific the client would like you to know
- Respect the client's home — remove shoes if asked, be tidy, and be considerate
Important
If anything in the Support Plan is unclear, incomplete, or does not match what you find on arrival, contact your manager before proceeding. Never guess — always ask. Getting it right on the first visit builds the foundation for safe, consistent care.