Top 5 Tips To Make Moving Into A Care Home Easier

Moving into a care home is a significant life change, particularly for elderly people. Leaving behind familiar routines, adjusting to a new environment, and meeting new people can be challenging. It’s not just a transition for the residents themselves but also for their loved ones who want to ensure they are comfortable, happy, and well cared for. While this process can be difficult, there are ways to make it smoother and less stressful. Encouraging your loved one to bring personal items can help make the new environment feel more like home. Here are five top tips to help ease the move into a care home, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.

1. Encourage Your Loved One to Get Involved in Preparing for the Move

The decision to move into a care home should be a collaborative process, with the elderly person at the heart of it. Giving your loved one a say in the selection process helps them feel in control and more confident about their move. Discuss potential care homes with them and encourage them to share their opinions about what they need and want from their new home.

Whenever possible, include your loved one in care home visits. Touring the facility, meeting the staff, and observing daily life can help ease any apprehension they may feel. Being physically present allows them to get a sense of the atmosphere and helps them feel included in the decision-making process. In cases where mobility or health issues make in-person visits difficult, virtual tours or video chats with care team members can provide similar reassurance.

By involving them, you’re not only helping them feel more secure but also showing respect for their autonomy and preferences—an essential factor in making this transition smoother.

2. Help Them Get Ready for the Transition

Preparing for the move is a practical but crucial part of the process. Assist your loved one with packing their belongings, focusing on items or own furniture that hold sentimental value and can make their new space feel like home. Encourage them to bring personal keepsakes such as family photographs, favourite books, or cherished mementoes. These familiar items can provide a comforting connection to their past while helping them settle into their new surroundings. 

Beyond packing, take care of the logistical details that come with moving. Notify utility providers, the local council, and other relevant services of the change in residence. If they are moving from a house, you might also need to arrange for cleaning or other property-related tasks. Taking these responsibilities off their plate allows them to focus on emotional readiness and reduces stress for everyone involved.

3. Stay Connected

Maintaining strong family connections is vital during the transition to a care home, both for the resident and any family member involved. Regular visits provide reassurance and remind your loved one that they remain an integral part of the family. Even when in-person visits aren’t possible, finding other ways to stay connected can make a huge difference.

Encourage your loved one to use a telephone to stay in touch with family members. If they’re open to technology, consider introducing them to video calls on a tablet or smartphone. Platforms like Zoom or FaceTime enable face-to-face communication and can bridge the gap between visits. Offering these options ensures they never feel isolated and can reach out whenever they need support or companionship.

Showing that you’re still present in their life, even from a distance, fosters emotional well-being and helps them adjust to their new environment. Your continued presence and reassurance can turn a difficult transition into an opportunity to strengthen bonds.

4. Familiarise Yourself with the Care Plan

Understanding the bespoke care plan at the new care home is essential to feeling secure and informed. Understanding the financial assessment process is also crucial, as it determines eligibility for financial assistance with care home payments in some care homes. Each resident’s care plan outlines their specific needs, preferences, and daily routines, providing a tailored approach to their well-being. Reviewing this plan together can give you and your loved one a clearer picture of what life in the care home will look like.

At Welwyn Grange, for instance, personalised care plans are designed to address a wide range of needs, from residential care to specialised dementia care. Familiarising yourself with the schedule and services offered can provide a sense of structure and reduce feelings of uncertainty.

If there are any questions or concerns about the care plan, don’t hesitate to discuss them with the care team. This open communication fosters trust and ensures that the plan reflects your loved one’s needs and preferences, helping them settle in more comfortably.

5. Discover the Lifestyle Facilities at the Care Home

Life in a care home is about far more than just receiving care—it’s about enjoying a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle. A residential home like Welwyn Grange provides a supportive environment where residents can receive help with daily living activities. Exploring the activities, events, and facilities available at the care home can excite your loved one about the move and help them envision a positive future there.

At Welwyn Grange, we place a strong emphasis on creating an enjoyable and enriching environment for all residents. From gardening and arts and crafts to exercise classes and social gatherings, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active and engaged. We believe that every day should be filled with fun and purpose, and our diverse range of activities reflects that commitment.

By highlighting these lifestyle opportunities, you can show your loved one that moving into a care home is not the end of independence or enjoyment—it’s the beginning of a new chapter filled with meaningful experiences and connections.

“Once assessed, the only things you will need to budget for are down to your personal choice, things like hairdressing or chiropody appointments or your own daily paper, or personal interest magazine”

Moving into a care home is a major life event, and it’s natural to feel apprehensive about the changes it brings. However, with thoughtful planning and a focus on emotional support, this transition can become a smoother and more positive experience for everyone involved. Engaging with the local authority for a needs assessment can also guide financial decisions for certain care homes and support during the transition.

Welwyn Grange Care Home is dedicated to making this process as comfortable as possible, offering personalised care and a warm, welcoming environment. By encouraging your loved one to take part in the preparations, helping them stay connected, and exploring all that life in a care home has to offer, you can ease their journey into this new phase of life.

We invite you to book a visit to Welwyn Grange to experience our bespoke care home for yourself. Discover how we can support your loved one in creating a happy, fulfilling life in your or your loved one’s new home.