Top Tips For Settling Into A Care Home
There is no denying that moving into a care home is a big change, for you and your family. It is a major life change that often brings a mix of emotions. It’s completely normal to feel some excitement, nervousness, or even sadness – both for the resident and their loved ones.
There will be a lot of things to get used to, a new environment to familiarise yourself with and new people to meet. Though you may understand it’s a beneficial and necessary move, it can still be a daunting and worrying time. After all, it’s something completely new and different. Thankfully, there are things you can do to make the transition an easier one.
Things To Do When You Move to a Care Home
You may feel overwhelmed and unsure when you first move into a care home, and this is completely natural. It will take time to get used to your new surroundings, but it won’t be long until you feel comfortable and at ease. To help you out, we have listed some of our top tips for settling into a care home.
| Tip | How it Helps |
|---|---|
| Bring Favourite Things | Photos, a soft blanket, or a beloved book offer comfort and familiarity. |
| Explore Your Surroundings | Take time to find the dining room, your own room, and any favourite spots (garden, lounge). |
| Chat with Staff | Get to know the staff a little. Share your preferences, ask about routines, and mention any worries. |
| Join in Activities | Games, outings, music, or even helping fold towels – these are a way to connect and find enjoyment. |
| Stay Connected to Loved Ones | Schedule regular visits, phone calls, or video chats. Encourage them to join for meals or activities. |
| Be Patient with Yourself | Adjusting takes time. It’s okay to have good days and harder days. |
Bring Personal Items
To make yourself feel at home, bring personal items to turn your room into your own space. This could include photographs, ornaments, letters and gifts from loved ones. This will help the space to feel familiar, personal and comforting. These familiar objects offer a sense of comfort and continuity, especially during the initial adjustment period. For those with dementia, personal items can also help reduce confusion and spark positive memories.
Get Used to Your New Surroundings
It’s a good idea to get used to the layout of the care home and feel confident in your new surroundings. You will want to locate areas such as the dining room, garden and recreational spaces.
Talk to Care Home Staff
Take the time to get to know the care home staff and the individuals that you’ll be coming into contact with; building a friendship with them can help to avoid loneliness. Let them know if you have any likes and dislikes, any aspects of your routine you don’t want to change and what you may need help with. For example, let them know if there are any foods you dislike. This is something loved ones can help with. It’s perfectly normal to feel a little shy at first. Remember, the staff are there to help you feel comfortable and answer any questions you may have.
Get Involved
There is always something going on at a care home, so get involved with activities and events. Not only will this prevent you from becoming isolated, but it will give you things to look forward to and help the days to fly by. Participating in activities is a great way to meet other residents, make new friends, and reduce feelings of loneliness.
At Lidder Care, we go above and beyond to help you settle into our care home. To find out more, get in touch with the Lidder Care team.
