Helping a loved one move into a care home can be an emotional and overwhelming time. As with any house move, there is a lot to think about and get sorted. Not only is there packing (and probably a clear out) to do, but also admin tasks such as cancelling bills and subscriptions. With so much to focus on, it is hard to keep track of it all.
A plan of action can keep the process in hand and ensure a smooth transition.
At LuxuryCare, we are always on hand to help a family through the process following an admission. To assist with this, we have created the ultimate checklist to follow when helping a loved one move into a care home.
Preparing for the Move
Preparing to move into a care home can feel chaotic – like several balls are being juggled and very few landing. To help reduce this feeling, here is a list of preparations that you need to complete.
Legal and Financial Considerations
Getting legal and financial affairs in order is incredibly helpful as it can give everyone involved peace of mind that everything is covered.
- Make sure Wills and Powers of Attorney are in place.
- Make sure you and your loved one understand the funding needed for the care home.
- Line up funding and other payments needed.
Health and Medical Preparation
Whether you will be receiving residential care, specialist nursing care or dementia care, certain medical documents must be prepared.
When moving into a care home, you will need to make sure:
- Medical records are up-to-date.
- Medical records have been shared with the care home.
- Medication is accessible at the care home.
- Medical equipment is in place in the care home when your loved one moves in.
- The care home is aware of specific care needs, dietary requirements etc. – this will also be covered in the pre-care assessment and care plans.
Service Providers
Before moving into a care home, you will also need to cancel any bills and subscriptions that your loved one is currently paying for. You will also need to let some service providers know if they moved and provide a change of address.
Below is a list of those who you might need to contact:
- Electoral register
- Post office – to redirect mail
- Council tax
- Water provider
- Gas provider
- Electricity provider
- Sewerage company
- Landline & broadband company
- TV and streaming providers
- TV licensing
- Magazine subscriptions
- Memberships for hobbies
- Library
- DVLA – if they still have a car
- Insurance companies – buildings, contents, car, life insurance
- Credit card companies
- Banks
- Pension providers
Packing Essentials
Packing to move into a care home can be difficult. Some residents move from their family home of 50 years into one of our care homes, meaning they have to pack a small amount of 50 years worth of belongings.
Here are the essentials for moving into a care home:
- Clothing
- Favoured toiletries
- Sentimental belongings – photos, paintings and some items
- Important documents – personal identification, medical records, financial information
We encourage our residents to personalise their rooms to make them comfortable spaces to relax. Therefore, we love to see residents bring bedding, throws, cushions, paintings, family photos and even pieces of furniture.
If there is something your loved one would like to bring with them, don’t hesitate to ask, and we will see what we can do to make it happen.
Moving Day
Even with the admin bits handled, moving day can be stressful, so the following are tips to prepare for a smooth moving day that helps your loved one settle in from the first day with us.
- Transportation arrangements – plan how you will get your loved one and their belongings to the care home.
- Unpack – when you get to the care home, head to their room and start unpacking their belongings, putting photos up and their favourite bedding. This will instantly make the space feel more like home.
- Join in lunch and activities – join the other residents over lunch in the dining room and encourage participation in any activities on that day. Encourage your loved one to start building relationships with staff and other residents as early as possible.
- Validate emotions – your loved one will be experiencing a range of emotions, so talk them through, showing understanding. Let them know that it is ok to be feeling these emotions.
Our staff will be on hand throughout the moving day process to help bring belongings in, introduce residents and guide your loved one through our routines.
Post-Move Considerations
The most stressful part is done once your loved one has physically moved into the care home. However, it can still take an emotional toll on everyone involved.
The following steps can be taken to help your loved one settle in and to give you confidence in a smooth and positive process.
- Visit regularly – if you live close enough, visit your loved one regularly. This will show them that haven’t been forgotten about and will ensure happiness and comfort for both sides.
- Communicate with staff – maintain an open line of communication with the staff at the care home. This will mean you are kept up-to-date with care plans and allows you to provide feedback or discuss any concerns.
- Plan long-term – discuss ongoing care plans and understand how they will change over the long term as your loved ones need change. Make sure you know how you will be informed of changes.
These will give you peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the right level of care from kind and compassionate staff and are happy and comfortable in their new environment.
It will also help your loved one settle in as they will see they are still part of your life, reducing feelings of abandonment or isolation from the family.
We’re Here To Help
We have been welcoming loved ones into our care homes in Bournemouth and Poole for over 20 years.
At LuxuryCare, we’re committed to creating a nurturing environment from the moment your loved one steps through our doors.
We do this through providing bespoke care plans that are regularly reviewed, running a full and varied activities programme and days out, providing delicious homecooked meals from menus that are led by our residents, and constantly training our staff.
Our approach, right from your initial enquiry through the admission process and moving into our care home, is person-centred, meaning we put your loved one first in every situation. This allows us to provide the best care for your loved ones’ needs.
Not every move-in process is the same, so our staff are flexible with the assistance they provide, simply being there to support rather than dictate.
If you have any questions about any of the preparations needed for moving into a care home, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We are always happy to help where we can.
Call us on 01202 037373 or complete our online contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
