​Your First Day as a Domiciliary Care Worker: What to Expect

Your First Day as a Domiciliary Care Worker: What to Expect

Starting a new job can be daunting, especially when it involves stepping into people’s homes to provide vital care and support. If you’ve recently accepted a role as a domiciliary care worker, congratulations - you’re about to begin a truly rewarding career. To help ease first-day nerves, here’s what you can typically expect on your first shift.

What Is Domiciliary Care?

Domiciliary care, often called “home care,” involves visiting individuals in their own homes to support them with daily living tasks. This may include help with washing, dressing, meal preparation, medication prompts, mobility assistance, and providing companionship.

Unlike residential care, domiciliary care workers travel from home to home, helping clients retain independence in a familiar environment.

Your First Day: What to Expect

1. A Warm Welcome and Support

If you're working with an agency like Nursing and Caring Direct, your first day won’t be spent alone. You’ll typically shadow an experienced carer who will guide you through each call, explain routines, and introduce you to service users.

This gives you the chance to build confidence, ask questions, and understand the practical aspects of the role before working independently.

2. Your Rota and Call List

You’ll be given a rota — either digitally or in printed form — which outlines your shift schedule and the list of clients you’ll be visiting, along with the times and locations.

Expect to work within a specific area or region to minimise travel time, and keep in mind that shifts may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, or split shifts.

3. Meeting Service Users

Each person you care for will have individual needs, preferences, and care plans. You’ll learn how to support them safely and respectfully — and how to build trust and rapport over time.

You may be helping with:

Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
Meal prep and feeding assistance
Medication reminders
Mobility support
Light domestic tasks
Providing companionship and reassurance

4. Using PPE and Following Safety Guidelines

You’ll be expected to follow strict health and safety procedures, including the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), infection control measures, and safeguarding protocols.

You’ll also be shown how to complete any required documentation or digital logs during each visit, including recording what care has been provided and noting any concerns.

5. Team Communication

While domiciliary care can feel independent, you are never truly on your own. You’ll be in regular contact with your care coordinator or supervisor, especially if issues arise or you need support throughout your shift.

Most agencies provide on-call support outside of office hours, so you can feel confident and safe at all times.

Top Tips for Your First Day

Be punctual: Arrive on time to all calls — reliability is key in care work.
Stay calm and kind: First-day nerves are natural; take a deep breath and focus on the person in front of you.
Ask questions: Your supervisor or mentor is there to support you.
Bring essentials: Uniform, ID badge, rota, and fully charged phone (if using an app).
Take notes: Every client is different — small details matter.

Your first day as a domiciliary care worker is just the beginning of a meaningful and people-focused career. While it may feel like a lot to take in, you’re never alone — you’ll be supported every step of the way by your agency, team, and clients.

At Nursing and Caring Direct, we believe in placing the right people in the right roles — and giving you the tools and guidance you need to thrive.

Interested in starting your career in care?
📩 Get in touch with our team today or browse current vacancies: All jobs everywhere · Nursing and Caring Direct