Moving to a care home checklist
The Pre-Planning Stage
Assess Your Needs: Evaluate your current health and care needs to determine the type of care home that best suits your requirements.
Research Care Homes: Research different care homes in your preferred area, considering factors such as location, facilities, quality of care, and cost.
Financial Planning: Review your finances and explore funding options for care home fees, including local authority support, NHS funding, and personal savings.
Legal Considerations: Seek legal advice to understand your rights, responsibilities, and legal implications of moving to a care home, such as power of attorney and property matters.
Transition Planning
Visit Potential Care Homes: Schedule visits to prospective care homes to tour the facilities, meet staff, and ask questions about services, activities, and accommodation options.
Assessment and Placement: Arrange for a care needs assessment by your local authority or NHS to determine your eligibility for care home placement and funding.
Notify Concerned Parties: Inform family members, friends, healthcare professionals, and relevant authorities about your decision to move to a care home and provide them with necessary contact details.
Packing and Downsizing: Begin sorting and packing your belongings, downsizing as necessary to accommodate your new living space in the care home.
On Moving Day
Finalise Arrangements: Confirm the move-in date with the chosen care home and make necessary arrangements for transportation, assistance, and any special requirements.
Personal Essentials: Pack essential items for your immediate comfort and convenience, including clothing, toiletries, medications, important documents, and personal mementos.
Familiarise Yourself: Take time to familiarise yourself with the care home environment, staff members, fellow residents, and daily routines to ease the transition.
Settling In and Adjusting
Settle In: Unpack your belongings and arrange your living space to make it feel like home, personalizing it with familiar items and decorations.
Engage in Activities: Participate in social activities, outings, and recreational programs offered by the care home to stay active, engaged, and connected with others.
Communication and Feedback: Maintain open communication with care home staff, residents, and family members, sharing any concerns, preferences, or feedback to ensure your needs are met.
Regular Reviews: Schedule regular reviews of your care plan with care home staff and healthcare professionals to assess your evolving needs and adjust services accordingly.
How The Senior Move Partnership Can Help
Professional Moving Services: Consider engaging The Senior Move Partnership for professional assistance with packing, organizing, and coordinating your move to the care home, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition. We can even help get removal quotes and arrange part-exchange finance for the sale of your home to fund your move to a care home.
Downsizing Support: The Senior Move Partnership can provide expertise in downsizing your belongings, helping you decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard to optimize your new living space.
Customised Support: Benefit from personalised support and guidance throughout the moving process, tailored to your individual needs, preferences, and timeline.
Moving to a care home can be a significant life transition, but with careful planning, support from professionals like The Senior Move Partnership, and open communication with your loved ones and care providers, it can also offer safety, comfort, and companionship in later years.