During long care periods, you may need access to places like the kitchen, television, or WiFi. Here are the instructions on how to request permission professionally while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

🗓️ Before the reservation

🔹 Step 1: Discuss expectations during the Meet & Greet meeting

🏠 House Rules – Ask which areas may be off-limits
📶 Amenities available – TV, WiFi, kitchen, thermostat
🐕 Pet routines – How the home amenities fit into daily routines

🔹 Step 2: Confirm matters in communication

🗣️ Be punctual – "Can I use the television during breaks?"
📝 Justify your needs – "I will be there for over 12 hours and would appreciate using the kitchen"
🙇 Show courtesy – "I will gladly follow all your rules"
🚪 Confirm boundaries – "Please let me know if any area is restricted"

🐾 During the care task

🔹 Step 3: Using the TV and entertainment

📺 Ask for permission first – "May I watch TV while Bella is sleeping?"
🔧 Respect settings – Do not change channel lists or user profiles
🔉 Keep the volume moderate – Remember the pets and neighbors
🧼 Clean up after yourself – Turn off devices and return the remote control to its place

📸 [SCREENSHOT: Caregiver communicates with the client about the use of the TV]

🔹 Step 4: Using the kitchen and food

🥪 Bring your own snacks – Do not assume you can use the client's food
☕ Ask about basic supplies – "May I take coffee, tea, or water from the fridge?"
💬 Offer compensation – "I can buy more coffee if I use yours"
🧽 Clean up immediately – Wash dishes, wipe surfaces, leave the kitchen tidy

🔹 Step 5: General home etiquette

👟 Shoes off indoors – Follow the family's customs
🛁 Use the bathroom politely – Bring your own hygiene supplies
🚪 Respect privacy – Do not enter bedrooms without permission

💬 Communication tips for caregivers

✅ Good phrases to say:

• "Would it be appropriate if..."
  
  
  

• "I want to respect your home..."
  
  
  

• "Please let me know if you have wishes regarding..."
  
  
  

• "I will gladly follow your rules..."
  
  
  

❌ Avoid saying:

• "I assume I can..."
  
  
  

• "I need to use your..."
  
  
  

• "All caregivers do this..."
  
  
  

• "You could have mentioned..."
  
  
  

📝 Sample messages

📺 Regarding TV use:
"Hi! I’m staying overnight with Saaga. Would it be okay if I watched TV during her breaks? I can keep the volume low."

🍳 Regarding kitchen use:
"Quick question – is it alright if I make coffee in the morning and heat up my lunch in the microwave? I’ll bring my own snacks and of course will clean up after myself."

🏡 For longer reservations:
"For my three-day reservation, I would like to ask about home amenities. Can I use the TV and prepare my meals in the kitchen? Is there anything you specifically want me to avoid? I always respect house rules and keep the spaces clean."

🚩 Red flags – avoid these

• Do not assume anything without permission
  
  
  

• Do not use the client’s personal belongings
  
  
  

• Do not invite anyone to the home
  
  
  

• Do not move furniture or decorations
  
  
  

• Do not post pictures of the client’s home on social media
  
  
  

🧭 Professional boundaries

🛌 Overnight care – It is often assumed to have access to more amenities
🚶‍♂️ Quick visits – Generally limited to using the restroom and sink
📆 Long reservations – Using the kitchen and entertainment is generally acceptable

🙏 If permission is denied

✔️ Accept the decision – Do not question or pressure
🎒 Prepare yourself – Bring your own snacks, entertainment, hygiene supplies
💬 Professional response – "No problem at all, I will come well-prepared"
🧘 Do not take it personally – Some clients want strict boundaries

🤝 Building trust

🔁 Keep promises – Do what you say you will do
✨ Exceed expectations – Leave the home even cleaner than you found it
📸 Communication – "Thank you for allowing me to use the kitchen – I bought more coffee to replace it!"
🏠 Respect the home – Treat it better than your own