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Having a support worker come into your home can be a total game-changer—but let’s be real, it’s also a big adjustment. Your home is your private space, your comfort zone, and suddenly you’re sharing it with someone new.
Even when you’re 100% on board with getting help (and so grateful for it!), it can still feel… well, weird at first. And it’s not just you—partners, kids, housemates, and even visiting family might need time to get used to the new setup.
We hear about this a lot in the Kindship community, so we’ve pulled together some of the best tips and ideas from parents and carers who’ve been there. If you’re just starting with in-home support, or thinking about it, here are some things that might make the transition a little smoother.
1. Acknowledge That It Is an Adjustment
First things first: it’s totally normal for things to feel awkward in the beginning. You’re not doing anything wrong, and it doesn’t mean you won’t get used to it. Having someone in your personal space is a big shift, especially if your family is used to doing everything themselves. Give yourself (and your household) permission to feel a bit weird about it at first—it will get easier.
2. Ease In Where You Can
If it’s an option, start slow. Having a short intro visit where the support worker just drops by for a quick chat, or staying close by for the first few sessions, can help everyone feel a little more comfortable. It gives your family a chance to get familiar with the new person without the pressure of jumping straight into full support mode.
3. Set House Rules and Expectations Together
It can really help to sit down as a family and talk about what will make everyone feel comfortable. This might be simple things like which rooms are off-limits, where support happens, and how much small talk people are up for.
It’s also super helpful to chat with your support worker upfront about expectations—for example, what tasks they’ll be helping with, and how you’d like things to run. Whether it’s personal care, therapy support, helping with outings, or just giving you a breather, clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and keep things running smoothly.
4. Make the Most of Your Time
It’s easy to fall into the trap of staying nearby when a support worker is there, especially at first. But remember: this is your time too. If the support worker has things covered, give yourself permission to step away and focus on what you need—whether that’s catching up on work, folding the laundry, or honestly just sitting down with a coffee. You don’t have to stay in the same room unless it’s necessary.
5. Keep Everyone in the Loop
Knowing what to expect can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a wall calendar, a group chat, or just a heads-up at dinner the night before, make sure your household knows who’s coming, when, and what they’ll be doing. Reducing surprises helps lower anxiety—for everyone involved.
6. Reframe It as a Team Effort
Sometimes family members might feel a bit unsure because they’re protective or not used to asking for help. A good way to think about it—and explain it to others—is that the support worker is part of your team. They’re there to make life smoother and to support the whole family, not to replace anyone’s role or take over.
7. Trust the Process
The truth is, no matter how well you prepare, it might still feel a bit clunky at first. That’s okay. Most families say that after a few weeks, it becomes part of the routine and things settle into a new normal. Keep the communication open, be kind to yourself (and each other), and allow time for everyone to adjust.
If your household is feeling a bit wobbly about having support workers in your space, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a big change, and it’s totally normal to need some time to find your rhythm. The good news? It does get easier—and before long, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without the extra help. 💛
That said, if after giving it some time it still feels uncomfortable—or something just isn’t sitting right—it’s also okay to acknowledge that the fit might not be quite right. Support should feel supportive (for everyone), and sometimes it takes a little trial and error to find the right match. Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to speak up if you need to make a change.
Got any tips that worked for your family? We’d love to hear them—pop into the Kindship Connect group and share your wisdom with the community!
