Are you planning on moving into a care home or perhaps moving your loved one into one? If so, you should understand how to navigate the transition. Naturally, it’s not always straightforward, as it involves leaving your home behind and settling into somewhere new. If you want to tackle that with confidence, this article is for you.
Start by Visiting the Care Home
Knowledge is power. The first step of the process is visiting the care home, preferably a handful of times , before you officially move in. Doing so gives you the chance to get to grips with the environment and know whether you’ve made the best decision. Signature at Reigate Grange always welcomes visitors, so if you’re looking for a care home in the Reigate area, you can book a visit. When there, you’ll be able to walk through all the beautiful communal spaces (such as the well-maintained gardens), as well as discuss care plans with the team members.
Settle on a Care Plan
Different care homes offer their own care plans. It’s important to understand exactly what the care plan involves and whether you need any extras. To start, figure out exactly what your or your loved one’s requirements are, whether that’s nursing care, residential care, palliative (end-of-life) care, or dementia care. From there, consider any extras you want to add on – for example, some care homes have extras that cost more money, such as visits to a beauty salon.
Plan the Move
Next comes planning the actual move. At this stage, you should be as organised as possible. For example, you could list all the items you want to take with you. It’s also a good idea to figure out transportation and who will help you move early on so the moving day will go as smoothly as possible.
Settling in and Decorating
The next step of the process involves settling in and decorating your space. At this stage, you want to make your space feel as homely as possible, as there’s a chance you’ll get homesick. Moving is never easy! Decorating with items you had at home makes a significant difference here. For example, decorating with a plant you brought from home can liven up the space while making it seem similar to an environment you know and love.
Welcome Visitors
Being in a new environment with people you don’t know can be a little scary. To begin confidently, invite your loved ones to visit more regularly, especially in the first weeks. That will make the transition a little smoother, and you can take your loved ones on the journey with you.
Get Stuck Into the Activities
The best care homes have a range of fantastic activities for you to get stuck into. The sooner you do it, the better. If you prefer spending time alone, you can make the most of activities like painting, reading, or gardening. If you’d like to be social and make friends, there’ll be activities to encourage that, such as sports or trips out as a group. Now you’re there, it makes sense to make the most of what’s on offer!
