Moving into a care home is unsettling and scary for all involved, so here are some tips to be prepared.
Visit Homes
Each care home is different, so it’s important to feel comfortable with the one you have chosen and confident that it offers your loved one the best possible experience. Once you are happy with your decision, try to familiarise yourself with it and the staff by scheduling visits and meetings beforehand.
Understand the Costs
Care homes, unless funded by the government, can involve some substantial costs. It’s wise to sit down with the care home manager or your social services contact to determine what you will be required to pay and how. Remember to ask about any additional costs to the normal fees, such as trips and any other provisions you might need to make.
Do the Legal Bits
When your loved one goes into a home, you will need to inform their bank and any utility companies that they have moved, plus the local council. Your care home will likely deal with their GP transfer.
Ideally, you will already have UK power of attorney, but if you need to look into this and what it entails, then visit https://powerofattorneyonline.co.uk/.
Decorate and Label
On the day you arrive, it is a good idea to decorate your loved one’s room with familiar things to make it feel homely and safe. That said, everything from shoes to cushions should be labelled so as not to lose anything. If your elderly relative has dementia, then this may be even more important to help keep track of their belongings.
Prepare Emotionally
Of course, nothing can prepare you for the emotions that moving your loved one into a home conjures up. However, try to accept the situation and regulate your emotions, as seeing you upset could cause them even more distress. It’s also important to prepare them mentally for the move, if at all possible, so that it does not cause shock and resentment.
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
