HOW TO EASE THE MOVE INTO A CARE RESIDENCE

Relocating into a care home can be an emotive period for both the residents and their relatives. Having said that, this change can be switched into a beneficial experience with the following simple suggestions: See how we can help Find Out more

PERSONALISE THEIR BEDROOM AND MAKE IT HOMELY.

Place familiar objects around your loved one’s room, such as photographs, ornaments or a favourite chair. This will make their room feel more like home and help them settle in much quicker.

PACK THE RIGHT CLOTHES AND TOILETRIES.

Try and bring your loved one enough clothes and toiletries for at least two full weeks. Remember to put a name tag on each piece of clothing so that they don’t get mixed up with the washing of other residents’ in the laundry room. Try to pack toiletries that your loved one normally uses at home as the familiar smells will help your loved one in the settling in process.

PROVIDE THE TEAM LOTS OF INFORMATION.

The personnel at the care home want to help make your loved one’s move into the care home as beneficial as possible. So, prior to your loved one moves in, give the care home team some relevant information about your loved one’s life so they can use this to build a connection with their new resident as rapidly as possible. This will also help the resident feel more at home if they are able to have chats with the staff about special events in their life.This info could be in the form of highlights about your loved one, or a short story about them as well as photos of them with family members. Things to incorporate could be: Where did they grow up? When and where did they get married? How many children and grandchildren do they have? What was their occupation?

SPEND TIME AT THE HOME PRIOR TO THEY MOVE IN.

Care home personnel usually say that residents settle in a lot quicker and loved ones feel more assured if they spend some time at the care home before moving in. This can motivate your relative to get to know staff members and other residents and get to know the everyday routines before they move in. This prevents the change from being too much of a shock to the system.

BE THERE FOR THEM THE MOMENT THEY MAKE THE MOVE.

On the day of the move give yourself adequate time to do no matter what comes up and be readied to hang around for the day. Attempt to complete all forms and vital activities ahead of time so that your time can be spent making your loved one feel as comfy as possible and making their room feel like home.You’re most likely to feel a mix of emotions on this day – relief that your family member is going to be receiving the care they need, sadness that they are leaving their home, worry about whether they will settle in okay. All of these sentiments are perfectly typical and understandable, but try and be as positive as possible to reassure your family member and help them to feel positive too.

We hope this guide has been useful and given you some valuable advice on how to move your family member into a care home and make it a positive experience for all people involved.

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