How to Support a Loved One Moving Into Care

Moving into a care home is a physical and mental change. It will feel completely different to previous times that you have moved house. When preparing to move into care, it’s natural to be feeling emotional and unsure about this new life chapter.

If you’re suggesting care as an option to your loved one or helping them to prepare for the move, you may be grappling with guilt or be second-guessing whether this is the right decision. Shifting from being a family-caregiver, to trusting someone else with this responsibility is hard. It’s normal worry about whether your loved one will receive the support that they need. We can guarantee that you are not alone in these feelings.

This lifestyle change may feel daunting but it’s not something to be feared. Your loved one is not just leaving their home but they are gaining another one. This new home will be filled with professional support, improved wellbeing and a community of people that they can relate to.

Transitioning into care will be difficult for the whole family, but our staff at Mulberry are here to support you, so you can support your loved one.

Photo by Jonathan Cooper via Unsplash

Preparing For The Move

The most important thing is to remember that this is their new life. It is easy to get caught up with getting the best (maybe the most expensive) care you can. But that is not synonymous with what will best suit their wants or needs. Involve your loved one in the entire process, listen to their preferences and let them have a say in their new home. At Mulberry, we facilitate a pre-move assessment where you can discuss all of your preferences. This ensures that you get the room and the care that will best suit your loved one.

When packing for the move, it’s important to prioritise turning their new room into a place that feels like home. Bring some reminders of their previous home whether that is photos, a favourite blanket, or sentimental trinkets that they’ve cherished for years. This makes a huge difference mentally and physically as they transition into what feels and looks like a new home.

At Mulberry we ensure that residents have the space they need to bring these sentimental items and feel at home. Our staff love helping families to decorate their rooms on moving day, so it feels like home from their first day.

There are also some more practical things you can do to prepare for the move that are equally important. Ensure you are updating their address on any important documents, notify/change GPs (if necessary), and gather any medical information or history that will be beneficial for the staff at their new home. This will ensure that the settling process is smooth and simple.

Moving Day

When it comes to moving day, keep expectations to a minimum and avoid any pressure for perfection. Their room probably won’t feel like home straight away, so don’t place this thought in their mind. Not every box needs to be unpacked in the first hour. Take time to sit together and explore the care home instead of rushing to unpack and leaving them to figure things out by themselves.

At our homes, our team will be there to greet you with a cup of tea, and will be on hand to help you get settled. Take some time to meet the staff and some residents to kick start those relationships straight away. Being in a stressful situation can often make people more reserved, so taking these initial steps together will make a difference to their confidence. It’s great to get these conversations rolling while you’re there to support them and join in.

Adjusting Throughout The First Few Weeks

Not only is your loved one adjusting to a new home, but their entire routine will have changed as well. To support them in this routine change, set a realistic visiting schedule that is sustainable, especially throughout the first few weeks. Consistent, predictable visits will provide mental stability and comfort during this adjustment period.

Photo by Age Cymru via Unsplash

We are aware of how important these routines are for our residents. This is why we place such an emphasis on community activities, from weekly themed nights of activities to self-care pamper sessions. We focus on creating scheduled opportunities for our residents to look forward to, and families are always encouraged to join in on the fun.

You are probably dealing with some difficult emotions leading up to moving day or during this whole transition. Feeling as if you’re not doing enough to support them is very common. However, by making this decision and moving towards the next step of their care, you are doing the right thing for them. Supporting the challenging feelings of your loved one will be even harder if you’re overwhelmed with your own. This is a normal part of the process of a difficult transition period.

However, you need to remember that you’re giving your loved one the opportunity to be a part of a new community. This doesn’t have to be a scary, impending day. You are putting your loved one first, and taking the actions to ensure that they are well-cared for.

It’s also very normal to have lots of questions and we are here to listen. If you would like to arrange a tour or simply have a confidential chat about how we can support your loved one, please contact us today.