Employer Guide

Preparing Your Home for a Live-In Helper

The first few days go smoother when your home and household routine are ready before your helper arrives. Here is what to prepare.

Prepare her living space

Set up a private, comfortable room or sleeping area in advance, with basic necessities: bedding, storage space, and either a fan or access to air-conditioning. A helper who feels settled physically tends to settle in faster overall. Check the room has a working power socket and enough light to read by.

Write down the daily routine

Do not rely on verbal instructions alone in the first week. A simple written schedule covering wake times, meal times, cleaning tasks, and school pickup times reduces confusion for both sides. Even a one-page handwritten sheet is more useful than a conversation that happened once.

Set house rules clearly, early

Cover the things most likely to cause friction before they come up: guest policy, personal phone use during working hours, food preferences or dietary restrictions, and how off-days and public holidays will be handled. Doing this before she starts avoids the awkwardness of correcting her after a misunderstanding.

Plan the first few days as an orientation

Walk through the home on day one, introduce every family member, and explain how each appliance works before you expect her to use it. Show her where things are stored. A short orientation prevents avoidable mistakes and helps her feel confident rather than anxious.

Brief her on the children or elderly family members

If she is caring for young children or an elderly parent, give her the specifics: medication schedules, nap routines, food allergies, mobility limits, and anything else that matters. Do not assume she will infer these from context. Write down the key points.

Set up a way for her to contact you

Make sure she has your number and knows when and how to reach you during the day. If she will be alone in the home with children or an elderly person, she needs to know what to do in an emergency and who to call if she cannot reach you.

Expect an adjustment period

Even a well-matched helper needs time to learn your household's specific habits and preferences. Give clear, calm feedback in the early weeks rather than assuming things will click immediately. Most issues in the first month resolve with better communication, not a replacement.

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Common Questions

First-week questions

How long does it take for a new helper to settle in?

Most helpers feel reasonably settled after two to four weeks, once they have learned the household routine and feel comfortable asking questions. The first week is the hardest for both sides. If things are not improving after a month, contact us.

Should I give her a period to just observe before she starts working?

A short handover day is useful, especially if a previous helper is still around to show her the ropes. But a full observation period is not standard. Most helpers settle faster by doing rather than watching, with clear guidance alongside.

What if she cannot speak English well?

Most of our helpers have workable English for daily instructions. If there is a language gap, written notes and demonstration work better than verbal explanations alone. WhatsApp with simple messages also helps. Let us know before placement if English proficiency is a firm requirement.

What are my obligations as an employer from day one?

From her first day, MOM regulations require you to provide her accommodation, meals (or a food allowance), timely salary payment, one rest day per week, and medical coverage. We brief all employers on this before the helper arrives.

Related Guides

Getting ready for your helper's arrival?

Speak with Norma about anything specific to your household before the start date.