How To Support Elderly Loved Ones Moving Into A Care Home
Have you or a loved one started noticing signs that it might be time to start looking at moving into a care home? We’re here to help and support you through this potentially difficult time, to make it easier for you and your family.
How to get an elderly person into a care home
Once you or your loved one has decided that moving into residential care is the best option, the first step is to find a care home that is right for you. You can get a free care needs assessment from your local council to help determine the level of care you need, as each home will provide different levels of support.
Here at Oakland Care, we have many homes which offer various types of care, whether you need dementia care, nursing support, or just short-term respite care. You can then book visits to see the homes for yourself and how well they will suit you and your family’s needs, and discuss moving with the team at the home.
Who to inform when moving into a care home
When you’re making the move to a care home, there are a few important things you need to sort out before you go, like who to tell for example.
Other than family and friends, there are a few people you should inform, such as:
- Your GP
- Your bank
- Any carers or community support you receive
- Your local council (to cancel Council Tax, etc.)
- Any relevant benefit provider such as Pension Credit
After this, you will likely not need as many subscriptions and contracts, so ensure you go through them and cancel any unnecessary future payments. Contracts you can now end could be for things like the internet in your home, gas and electricity bills or newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
Moving into a care home checklist
Whenever you’re planning to go anywhere or make any big life decisions, it’s best to plan and make a list of everything you will need to do or get.
From the first viewing to moving day, there are a lot of questions you might have and concerns you might be worried about.
The main things to consider when moving into any home are:
- Accessibility – Are friends and family able to visit easily? Is the home fully wheelchair accessible?
- Staff – Are the staff friendly and welcoming? Are there managers around to talk to when you need them?
- Meeting your needs – Does the home meet your care needs?
If you would like to read an extensive checklist, Age UK has compiled a list of helpful things to remember and consider before the big move.
Putting a parent into a nursing home
When the needs of your loved one changes and the time comes for them to move into a care or nursing home, it can be a difficult transition for those involved. If you have been caring for your parent or loved one, you just want the best for them, and often moving to a care home is just that.
However, the feelings that come along with this change can be hard; guilt, stress, worry and often loneliness can stem from the move for both you and your loved one. Taking part in activities held in the home, such as pet therapy, group days out or just visiting for a few hours make the change easier for both families and residents.
How easy is it to change care homes?
If your loved one is having a hard time settling into their new home, or you have concerns about their care, the best thing to do is speak to the home’s manager. If you are certain that you would like yourself or your loved one to leave, discuss this with family, friends and the home’s manager and they will be able to facilitate the move to somewhere more suitable.
If you are looking for a suitable care home for yourself or a loved one, Oakland Care has custom built homes to meet your needs. Our friendly Oakland Care team are on hand to help support you throughout the transition into residential care. Simply call 0300 303 5445, or complete our contact form.