What to Expect in Your First Week with a PSW (Personal Support Worker)
- Moshe Birnbaum
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Starting Strong: What to Expect in Your First Week with a PSW
Beginning care with a personal support worker (PSW) is a big step, whether for yourself or a loved one. You might be wondering: What does the first week with a PSW look like? Will it feel intrusive? What kind of help will they provide? These are natural questions, and at Heartfelt Health Ltd., our goal is to make that transition as smooth, respectful, and supportive as possible.
Here’s what you can expect during the first week with your PSW.
Day 1: Orientation and Comfort Building
The first day is about introductions, getting comfortable, and laying the foundation for trust.
Meet your caregiver: Your PSW will arrive on time, introduce themselves by full name, and confirm care preferences.
Review the care plan: They'll walk you through your personalized care plan, answer questions, and check for updates or changes.
Environment check: The PSW will ensure your home is safe and accessible. They will be looking for things like trip hazards or medication storage concerns.
Initial support tasks: Depending on your needs, they may help with light housekeeping, mobility support, or meal preparation.
Expect conversation, not just tasks. Building rapport is an essential part of effective home care.
A care coordinator will check in with you and the PSW after the visit in ordewr to ensure everything went well.
Day 2–4: Routine Begins to Settle
In the middle of the week, the PSW begins to follow the care plan more consistently.
Establishing routines: They’ll start aligning support with your daily rhythms for example, when you like to eat, bathe, or rest.
Documenting care: After each visit, your PSW will record tasks completed, observations about your well-being, and any concerns.
Subtle observations: Behind the scenes, they’re noting your mobility, nutrition, mood, and any early signs of change. They will begin reporting any issues to a care coordinator.
This is also when families begin seeing the value of consistent, personalized support.
Day 5–7: Trust, Confidence, and Communication
By the end of the week, something important starts to happen: trust forms.
Comfort with care: You’ll likely feel more relaxed having someone assist you with personal tasks.
Proactive support: Your PSW may start to anticipate needs before you ask, refilling water, adjusting pillows, or suggesting helpful routines.
Family updates: If appropriate, the PSW will communicate with loved ones or care coordinators about how things are going.
This first week lays the groundwork for high-quality care. This is built not just on training, but on compassion, consistency, and attentiveness.
How Heartfelt Health Ltd. Supports You From the Start
Choosing Heartfelt Health Ltd. means you’re not navigating this alone. We:
Conduct a detailed intake and care plan before care begins
Assign a consistent PSW, not a rotation of unfamiliar faces
Check in after the first vist, first week and as needed to ensure your needs are being fully met
Adjust care based on your feedback and changing needs
Our team goes through every note and report sent from your PSW
We believe care should feel natural, not clinical. Your PSW is there to support your independence, not take over.
Final Thoughts
Your first week with a PSW sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s a time for comfort, trust, and adjustment. With the right support and a caregiver who truly listens, this transition can feel not only smooth but empowering.
If you're considering home care in the Greater Toronto Area, let Heartfelt Health Ltd. show you how personalized care can make a meaningful difference, right from the very first week.
