Being prepared for moving into a residential care home can help mitigate the stress of living in an unfamiliar place. To help make the transition easier, here are 8 tips for moving into a residential care home:
Know What You Need to Bring with You
When you take a tour of the care home and view you living quarters, make a note of the amount of space you will have. Some flats will already be furnished, but if you choose one that isn’t, you can bring your own furniture with you to make it feel more like home.
Contact several moving companies in advance and find out their rates and whether they offer a packing and unpacking service. If you’re not sure where to start looking, search for “moving companies near me” online.
Don’t forget to pack other important items, such as family keepsakes, your electronics, decorations, household essentials, and your favourite pair of huggie hoop earrings. If you need any help with packing, ask your family to pitch in. If you find that you can’t fit everything into your new flat, you can always ask your family to look after your things for you.
Ask Your Family for Support
Moving into a residential care home can be scary, but knowing that you have your family’s support can make the transition much easier. Talk to them about all the ways they can support you and keep in touch with them regularly to keep them up-to-date with all the things you have planned.
Update Your Address
Make sure you update your address when you move. Notify the council, your utility companies, and your insurance providers. You should also contact your bank, GP, dentist, optician, the DVLA, and HMRC. Most importantly, give your family and friends your updated address so they can stop by to visit your new home. Until you can notify everyone, have your mail redirected to your new address so you don’t miss any important letters.
Get to Know the Building
Rather than hiding away in your room, take some time to get to know where everything is. You’ll have taken a few tours of the building before you move in, but it’s easy to get lost in a new place until you’re familiar with the layout. Get to know where the communal dining area and laundry facilities are. Having a wonder around the building and finding the communal areas is a great way for you to get to know everyone. Introduce yourself to your new neighbours and socialise. You’ll soon feel at home.
Get to Know the Local Area
Getting to know the building you’ll be living in is important, but it’s equally important to get to know the local area. Get to know where the closest post office, pharmacy, shops, and cafes are. Familiarise yourself with the nearest public transport links unless the residential care home offers transportation for seniors.
Take Some Time to Get Used to the Routines
Getting used to the routines is perhaps the most jarring part of the experience of moving into a residential care home. Some things may run on a strict schedule. For example, if you opted into catered meals, you’ll need to be up at a certain time for breakfast, even if you’re used to having a lie in. You may not like the lifestyle changes at first, but give yourself some time settle in.
Ask about Services and Activities
Most care homes have various actives going throughout the week and offer various services. Some residential care homes have art classes, gardening clubs, bingo clubs, fitness classes, and knitting groups. They may also have visiting hair stylists and manicurists. There might be lunch clubs, where you can enjoy meals with your new friends in and from outside the care home. Some residential care homes offer trips to museums, art galleries, shopping centres, and the beach. Ask the staff for the schedule for various events, such as barbeques and parties.
Invite Your Family and Friends to Visit
Visitors are always welcome at residential care homes, so invite your family and friends over to see your new flat and maybe go out for a meal. If you plan on inviting several people at once (for a party or a family get-together), you may need to talk to the staff or manager first so they can facilitate the visit. They may be able to offer a private room for you and your relatives to use.
Image Credits: Georg Arthur Pflueger
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