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Making the decision to move a loved one into a care home can be a difficult and emotional one. However, in most cases, it’s the right decision to make. An assisted living facility can provide all the medical care and social interaction that your relative needs to live happily and healthily later in life.
With that said, the transition from living independently to becoming a resident of a care home can be challenging. The good news is that there are plenty of steps you can take to help make the process as smooth as possible for your loved one. A big part of this is ensuring that their new room feels like home. Read on for some advice on how to do this.
Before the move
In advance of your relative moving into the care home, it’s a good idea to have a chat with the staff there about what they can and cannot bring with them. That way, you won’t run into any trouble or disappointment on the day. For example, facilities will have different rules about whether you can bring pets with you or larger items such as furniture. This might affect which care home you choose, so be sure to do this before making your final decision.
After the move
The first few days are vital when it comes to making sure that your loved one settles into their new home, so it’s best to get their room as homely as possible right from the start. This will help to ease the transition. For example, bring some treasured family photographs to display on the wall or bedside table, as well as personal items such as a favorite coffee cup, cushions, or stationery.
Consider hobbies
Another top tip is to pack a selection of books, music, or other items related to your loved one’s favorite hobbies. That way, they’ll be able to continue doing the activities they enjoy in their new room at the Signature Care Home in Wandsworth or whichever facility you’ve chosen.
The same goes for clothes, shoes, and all other kinds of personal belongings.
Unpack
It’s also best to get your relative’s bags unpacked straight away. This will help to ensure that they don’t feel as though they’re in a hotel or a guest in someone else’s house. Talk with them about where they would like everything to be stored, and make sure all their belongings have a suitable spot.
Get into a routine
Routine is another key part of what makes people feel at home, so try to help your loved one stick to their usual schedule where feasible. For example, this might be doing the crossword or sudoku puzzle in the daily newspaper with a cup of tea in the morning or watching a certain TV show during the afternoon. Again, chat with the staff of the care home about what’s viable and see what you can arrange.
At the same time, it’s important to encourage your relative to take advantage of the new opportunities on offer by joining in with social outings, meeting other residents, and participating in classes and workshops. This will be what truly enables them to settle in and feel like the care facility is a proper home.
