Moving into a nursing home can be an emotional time for both new residents and their families. Whether it’s due to a recent injury or a gradual need for extra support, making plans as early as possible can help make the transition significantly less stressful.

In this blog, we’ll share a complete guide to moving into a nursing home for families, from what to bring, to how to determine the right questions to ask.

At Willow Grange, our compassionate staff team is committed to ensuring an easy transition for new residents as they adapt to life in our home. Our goal is to offer families reassurance, knowing that their loved one is receiving the highest quality of care and attention. To find out more about our care home in Surbiton, please get in touch. Call us on 020 8399 8948 today.

 

Moving a Parent Into a Nursing Home: How to Prepare

Planning the move into a nursing home with the input of your elderly parent is crucial. At Willow Grange, we encourage residents to bring keepsakes and belongings that remind them of home to ensure their room feels like a comforting environment.

This practice can be particularly beneficial for dementia patients, as being surrounded by familiar objects and family photos can provide a sense of security in their new home.

 

What to Take When Moving Into a Nursing Home

Most care homes will provide the necessities as part of your fees.

At Willow Grange, we understand the importance of transparency and will provide comprehensive information on what’s covered by our fees before your relative comes to stay with us.

Some common suggestions on what you might need to pack for moving into a nursing home in addition to treasured keepsakes include:

  • Clothing
    Clothes should be comfortable, easy to take on and off and able to withstand frequent washing and drying. Make sure every item is labelled, especially clothing. This not only ensures the housekeeping team can return clothing to the right resident, but it also helps people living with dementia to identify their belongings.
  • Personal Care
    We suggest including familiar toiletries and personal care items that your relative prefers, along with scents they enjoy. This thoughtful touch can help to aid their transition during the first few weeks. These products include:- Soap
    – Shampoo and Conditioner
    – Make-up
    – Perfume
    – Toothbrush
    – Toothpaste
    – Deodorant
    – Moisturiser
    – Shaving products
    – Hairbrush/comb
    – Styling Products

 

Moving to a Nursing Home: A Checklist

Before moving into a nursing home, you must work with your family member to complete the following:

  • Pack – Before you start packing, talk to your chosen nursing home and find out what is already provided. Then, use the guidance above to pack all of the clothes, toiletries and personal items your loved one would like to take with them.
  • Decide What to Do With the Remaining Belongings – Ask your family member what they would like to sell, give away, or keep in storage for the time being. Make sure they are fully aware of the plan for all of their remaining belongings before the move to avoid unnecessary worry or uncertainty.
  • Change GP and Dentist – This might not be necessary, but be sure to ask your nursing home if they have a preferred doctor or dentist for residents before the move.
  • Admin – Make sure you work with your loved one to update their address where necessary. It might also be a nice idea to send change of address cards to friends and extended family so they can send letters or plan visits.

 

Who to Inform:

Preparing to move into a nursing home can be time-consuming, particularly because you or your loved one will need to contact a number of organisations to ensure they are aware of the change in circumstances. Aim to do this as early on in the process as possible to minimise stress for both you and your relative.

Organisations you may need to notify might include:

  • Your local council
  • TV licencing
  • At-home support or care services
  • Your bank
  • Your pension provider
  • The DVLA
  • Bills, utilities and insurance companies.

 

Moving Into a Nursing Home: What to Expect in the First Few Weeks

In the first few weeks of moving into a nursing home, it’s natural for both you and your loved one to experience a sense of unfamiliarity. Feelings of guilt may arise as you adjust to this new arrangement, and your loved one may feel homesick and low in mood at times. However, as you spend time together in their new environment, observing their daily routines, you will both begin to feel more at ease.

At Willow Grange, all of our nursing home staff have significant experience in helping new residents settle into life in our home, providing support to both them and their families.
Contact us today

To book a visit to our home, please contact us today. Alternatively, call our caring team on 020 8399 8948 to learn more about why our warm and supportive dementia nursing home might be the perfect fit for your loved one.