Moving to a Care Home: Essential Tips for Families

Moving from living at home into a care environment can be overwhelming.  Often though it’s in the best interests of a loved one to move into residential care and on doing so their quality of life and social interaction improve dramatically. The task of planning and organising often falls to the immediate loved ones of those moving into full time care and hence a move into residential care requires planning and patience, as you will want to select the right care home and make the move as easy as possible for those involved. A successful move requires research, positivity and collaboration.

Top Tips for Planning a Move Into Residential Care

Though moving into a residential care home can be daunting for the individual, it can also be daunting for families. As a family member, there is a lot to think about when you are organising a move into residential care. We have listed some of our top tips to help you out with planning.

Involve the Individual

It’s important to involve the person who is moving into the residential care home in the moving process. Their thoughts and feelings should be taken into account, as they will be the one living there. Though they may not have the mental capacity to make the final decision about the move itself, their views should be considered and taken on board throughout.

Be Positive and Upbeat

Moving into a care home can be daunting, so remain as upbeat and positive as possible. Focus on the benefits that moving into a care home in Nottingham has, such as an excellent level of care and a great deal of independence. They are bound to have some worries, but seeing that their loved ones are positive can make a big difference.

Research Different Care Homes

There are a lot of different care homes to choose from, all of which will offer something slightly different. Take the time to research different care homes in the area, their level of care, their staff and the facilities that they offer. This will provide peace of mind that your loved one will receive the care they need, which means you can then focus on other aspects of planning the move.

Understand the Care Needs Assessment

Before choosing a care home, you need to know exactly what kind of care your loved one needs. The local council does a free “care needs assessment” to figure this out. Anyone can ask for one! In the assessment, they’ll look at your loved one’s daily life, health, and how much help they need. Get ready by collecting their medical records, a list of medications, and details about their daily struggles. By understanding their needs, you can find the best care home to match.

Financial Planning and Assistance

Care homes can be expensive, so it’s important to plan ahead. You might use savings, pensions, money from selling a house, or get help from the government. After the care needs assessment, the local council will also check your finances to see if you qualify for support. It’s good to understand all your options, like NHS Continuing Healthcare and council funding. A financial advisor who specialises in elder care can help you figure out the best way to pay for everything.

Legal Considerations and Power of Attorney

It’s wise to plan ahead with legal arrangements like a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). There are two types in England and Wales: one for finances and property, and one for health and welfare decisions. An LPA lets your loved one choose someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf if they lose the ability to do so themselves. It’s best to set this up well before a care home might be needed. Don’t forget to review their will and other important documents too – having everything in order makes things smoother for everyone.

Transitioning to Care – Emotional Support and Strategies

Moving into a care home is a big life change, and it’s normal to have mixed feelings about it. The most important thing is to be there for your loved one – listen to their concerns and offer lots of support. Here are some things that can help ease the transition:

• Let them be involved in decisions about their new home, even small things like choosing their bedding or what pictures to bring.
• Visit often, or if that’s not possible, stay in touch with phone calls or video chats.
• Encourage them to join activities at the care home – it’s a great way to make friends and feel less isolated.

Remember, adjusting to a new place takes time. Be patient, understanding, and offer them lots of reassurance.

Care Homes in Nottinghamshire

If you are looking for care homes in Nottinghamshire, you have come to the right place. At Lidder Care, we offer an excellent level of care and do everything we can to ensure everyone’s stay is an enjoyable one. Speak to the Lidder Care team about planning a residential move. Contact us today to find out more.