Personalising Your Residential Care Home Bedroom
Moving into a residential care home from having your own home is a big change and it can be challenging to adapt. Getting the care and support you need is important, but the uncertainty and lifestyle changes that come with the move can be daunting. Read our tips for settling into a care home here.
One of the best ways we can work together to ensure that your move into residential care goes as smoothly as possible is by getting your care home bedroom just right ahead of moving in. Having a personal space where you can go which is calming and comfortable will make a difference to your experience.
What to Bring to a Residential Care Home
Bringing furniture from home is welcome to help make it feel familiar. For example, bringing a chair, desk, wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside table, lamp, bookshelf. Measurements are required to ensure the furniture will fit comfortably with a safe amount of space to move around the bedroom.
We also suggest bringing personal items such as framed photos, ornaments and photo albums to look back on happy memories.
Preparing for Your Move: Practical Tips
Making the transition to a residential care home involves more than just packing your belongings. It’s about preparing mentally and emotionally for the change. Here are some practical tips to consider in the weeks leading up to your move:
- Discuss Your Care Needs: Openly discuss your care needs with the care home staff. This ensures that your medical and personal needs are fully understood and met from day one.
- Visit the Care Home: If possible, visit the care home several times before moving in. Familiarize yourself with the layout, staff, and daily routines. These visits can help reduce anxiety and make the transition smoother.
- Connect with Residents: Try to connect with current residents during your visits. They can offer valuable insights and advice about living in the care home.
- Plan for the First Week: Think about how you’d like to spend your first week. Look into the activities schedule and see if there’s anything you’d like to join. This can help you look forward to the move.
Embracing this new chapter with preparation and a positive mindset can make all the difference in easing the transition to residential care.
What is Included?
All rooms at Newgate Lodge have an en-suite bathroom, internet access and a TV with private aerial. If you choose to have new furniture and soft furnishings in the room then we can provide these and decorate how you would like it.
How Newgate Lodge Care Home Can Help
It is important to us that you are happy in our care home, so we individually decorate each resident’s bedroom according to their own needs and preferences. Talk to us about paint and wallpaper, window coverings, furniture and more.
To get a feel for the home we suggest you come and visit so you can see our care home and the bedroom you will move into and plan how to make it as comfortable as possible. For more information about planning a residential care move, read this blog.
Checklist for Moving into Newgate Lodge
- Personal Identification and Documents: Ensure you have all necessary identification and medical documents easily accessible.
- Medications: Bring a current list of your medications, including dosages and the names of prescribing doctors.
- Comfort Items: Besides furniture and personal items, consider bringing a favorite blanket, pillow, or even a cherished book or piece of music that brings you comfort.
- Daily Essentials: Pack a small bag with essentials you’ll need for the first few days, similar to packing for a short stay away from home.
- Decorative Items: Think about small decorative items that don’t take much space but make a room feel like home – wall art, a small rug, or a favourite vase.
- Contact Information: Compile a list of contact information for friends and family members, as well as important services or professionals you might need to contact.
By following this checklist, you’ll ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free move to Newgate Lodge.
Laura joined Lidder Care in 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience in caring for older adults. Her impressive career in the care industry has seen her rise from a Care Assistant to Team Leader, then Head of Care and ultimately a Home Manager.
As the Registered Manager at Newgate Lodge Care Home, Laura is dedicated to fostering a happy and safe environment where residents and their families can spend quality time together. Laura’s favourite aspect of her role is engaging with residents and their families.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time with friends and family, loves summer holidays and enjoys and diving into a box set in the winter.