Moving into a care home is a significant life change. It can be both emotional and challenging for many seniors and their families.
Moving into a care home can be a worrying and stressful time for both the person moving and their family members. Many feel it is not the right time to make the move. But you will consider a care home for yourself or your loved ones when you realise that you or your loved ones need more care than what can be provided at home. You would likely benefit from the round-the-clock care that residential settings offer.
This transition requires careful planning. If you are prepared well, everything runs much more smoothly when the time comes. You can enjoy the positive aspects of moving to a setting where you will receive the care and support you need. Numerous options are available in Essex, UK. Choosing the right one is crucial for a comfortable transition. Netto Care is providing compassionate, high-end elderly care services in Southend-on-Sea.
Why is Moving into a Care Home Challenging?
Most elders struggle while moving to a care home. They have mixed feelings of loss and change. Leaving their home is difficult as it means leaving their memories and personal things. Moving to a care home can trigger deep emotional responses, anxiety or fear of the unknown. For many, it is not easy to adjust to a new environment. However, families also experience challenges. Both families and seniors have concerns with moving to a care home, such as:
- Emotional attachment to their home.
- Fear of losing freedom.
- Concerns about adapting to new routines.
- Stress over financial costs.
- Worries about care quality and staff.
Understanding these challenges helps in addressing them and makes the move smooth and easy. Read more to explore how moving into a care home is simple. This will help you and your loved ones to overcome the struggles related to moving to a care home.
Check what services and items are included in the costs.
Before moving, take time to check what is included in the care home fees. This is very important to understand which services you receive are free and which you need to pay for. It will help you when deciding what to pack, as you will know what you can and cannot take with you.
Familiarise yourself with the care home before you move in.
After you have chosen which care home to move into, consider visiting it a few times to get to know it better, if possible. Familiarise yourself with the care home. Carefully see the facilities, the surroundings, the staff and the food. You might also consider chatting to other residents to get to know the people you may be living with. This will give a complete picture of what life is like at the care home and the things you will enjoy about living there.
Make your environment feel homely.
It is a good idea to decorate your room with personal items and bring items that remind you of home. For example, pictures, cushions and trinkets can make you feel more homely and familiar. Some care homes also allow you to decorate your own room. So you bring your favourite lounge chair, a TV or even your own bed.
Talk to the staff.
Talk to staff before you move into a care home, or ask a relative or friend to talk to them. This will help the staff to get to know you before you move in. Let staff know about your routine, such as you prefer to eat lunch in your room or have a lie-in on the weekend. It helps them to deliver personalised care. Tell them about your interests, likes and dislikes if you have dementia. They will suggest activities related to your interests or introduce you to other residents who have similar histories or interests.
Notify relevant people and organisations of your new address.
Before moving to a home care facility, tell the relevant people your new address. They will understand your circumstances and prevent any hassle once you have moved in. You must notify your local council, bank, GPs,
utility companies, friends and family.
Fill out care home forms in advance.
Before you move in, contact the care home and ask about the forms you need to complete, so you can fill them out. There will be plenty to do on moving day. So getting the paperwork beforehand gives you one less thing to think about.
Let the care home know your dietary needs.
Liasie with home care staff if you have special dietary needs or allergies before you move in. Compile a list of what you can and cannot eat in advance to avoid any issues and potential health risks. It helps home care staff to provide better care.
Learn about the pet policies at the care home.
Many people consider their pet to be part of the family, and it can be very difficult to leave them behind to move into a care home. Most care homes do not allow pets. So you need to make arrangements before moving into a care home. Speak to the care home to find out what their policies are if you do have a pet.
Prepare yourself emotionally.
Moving into a care home may be one of the most emotionally difficult decisions you will need to make in your life. Talk to friends and family or an independent person about how you are feeling. Tell yourself or your loved ones that this will improve your or their life. Give yourself time to settle in once you have moved into the care home. Get to know people and feel comfortable. Participate in your interest activities if you feel comfortable. Talk to staff at the home, your GP and friends and family if your emotional stress lingers.
Plan what to pack.
Packing can be a very challenging aspect of moving to a care home. You have to leave behind the items you loved. Ask your friends and family to help you decide what to bring. Make a list of what items are the most important to you. Bring items of personal value that help make you feel more at home. Cross out what you don’t need or feel like you can leave behind. For clothing, take enough clothes for two weeks, including those you wear at events.
Label every item of clothing with your name.
Ensure every single item is clearly labelled with your name. This is a good idea to avoid mixing clothing with other residents and ending up in the wrong room. Remember that just because you cannot bring certain items with you to the care home, it doesn’t mean you have to throw them away. Trusted friends and family can keep some of your valuable belongings. Or you could consider renting space.
Netto Care is committed to making moving into a care home as smooth and supportive as possible. Speak to our compassionate team who help you and your family with paperwork, and give you a warm welcome into your new home. We understand your unique needs and personalised a care plan to ensure you feel safe and respected. Located in the heart of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, we provide high-end elderly care in a luxury setting so that your move isn’t just a change of address, but the beginning of a new chapter in a place where you truly belong.
