Moving into a care home can be a challenging and emotional time for both you and your loved ones, so it’s important to do whatever you can to prepare effectively. There are various reasons why you may want to move into a care home, whether you have experienced an injury or you have noticed that you need more support as you age. Regardless of the reason, this can be a difficult adjustment, which will require a lot of preparation. You will want to ensure that you have access to all of the home comforts that you are used to, so that you can feel at ease once you are there. Thankfully, there are ways to make this transition easier. Check out the tips below for more information and advice on how to make moving into a care home more manageable for everyone involved.

Start Planning Early

It can be helpful to start planning for the move as early as possible to reduce some of the stress that you might be feeling at the moment. If you are helping a loved one move into a care home, it’s best to encourage them to express their views and discuss what items and home comforts they would like to bring. Getting used to new places and faces can be difficult for anybody, so keep in mind that it might take some time to find your way around your new surroundings.

Find Out What To Expect

You should find out what to expect once you move into a care home, so make sure you ask plenty of questions. In the beginning, it can be difficult to navigate the Adult Social Care system, especially if it’s your first time dealing with anything like that. If you are getting overwhelmed by the jargon used on a daily basis, remember to check out our glossary page and read our FAQs for more guidance. This will help you prepare in advance for assessments, you may need to undertake or meetings you will need to have with healthcare professionals.

Get Support From Friends And Family

Be sure to speak to your friends and family about how you are feeling right now. Encourage them to attend residents’ meetings with you and make sure they are involved in the process as well. They might have some suggestions, that can make settling into a care home easier. Don’t be afraid to share your concerns with them, as this can be a great way to ease your worries and anxiety. Remember to bring a few photographs of your family and friends to lift your spirits, if you are feeling down at any point.

Take Your Favourite Belongings

Many care homes allow and even encourage residents to bring their favourite belongings with them when they move. Whether you have some impressive ornaments, vases, or small pieces of furniture, they can help you personalise your room and make you feel at home. These items can also be great conversation starters with staff and visitors, so it can be a good idea to place them in visible locations. In some cases, you may even be able to bring your own bed for extra comfort.

Participate In Activities

Chances are that there will be activities that you can join, which will allow you to meet other residents and improve your mood. You might also be able to learn new skills and settle in more quickly. Make sure you participate in group activities, as they will give you the chance to talk and share experiences with others. This can have a positive impact on your emotional wellbeing, so don’t be afraid to get involved. It can be a fun idea to try gardening, baking, or joining a book club.

Talk To The Staff

Make an effort to get to know care home staff so that you can start building connections with others. Remember to inform them about any preferences or likes that they might need to know about. This way, they will learn more about your specific needs and aim to ensure that you feel comfortable and relaxed. For example, if you prefer to have food in your room or you would like to sleep a bit more on the weekends, they should be able to accommodate your requests.

Don’t Forget About Your Hobbies

If there are any activities or hobbies that you used to do quite often before moving into a care home, it’s important not to stop doing them. Continue engaging in all types of things that bring you joy, such as reading, listening to music, writing, or painting. Moreover, you might not even need to stay within the care home to keep practising your hobbies. For instance, if there are any clubs or groups that you are used to attending, you might still be able to join them, provided that you discuss it with care home staff.

Stay Connected

Staying in touch with your friends and family is crucial to your mental wellbeing and it’s likely that they will want to know how you are settling in. You may want to check with care home staff if it’s possible to install a phone line in your room. Otherwise, it can be a good idea to use a mobile phone and speak to your loved ones, whenever you feel like it. Moreover, care homes rarely impose strict visiting times, so be sure to invite your friends and family to visit you at different times of the week and get involved in activities with you.

Share Your Concerns

At times you may encounter some things that you are not happy with. This is why, it’s important to look for the right support and advice in these situations. At Socia Partners, we have a team of specialists, who will be on hand to help you get accurate information at all times. Whether you need help with care reviews or social care assessments, you will find everything you need to know to access the right funding and support.

For more information about our services, you can contact us here and we will be happy to help you get the support you need.