Moving from the comfort of your home to a new environment can never be easy, especially for our elder loved ones. This kind of transition may be overwhelming; thus, we need to do our best to make it as comfortable as possible.

It is better to be prepared when the time comes that an offer to an aged care home arrives. Below are simple tips on what to do when a member of the family has to move into a new home:

Before Moving In

Nobody wants to forget anything that could cause distress and more anxiety when someone will be moving into a care home. Better to make a checklist to ensure that everything will be in order.

1. Who to tell?

Aside from family members, there are several people you might want to inform about your plan. Here is a list of other possible persons, apart from family and friends, you might want to know about your plan:

• Your doctor, dentist, nurse, and pharmacist
• Your gardener, cleaner or home help
• Your bank, accountant, financial advisor, and lawyer
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs for your pension
• Utility services, post office, and subscription services

2. Who can help?

Family, friends, and care workers can help in moving in. It is best to ask the aged care home like Homestyle Aged Care for the best time to move in so that you can avoid their busy hours. It can ensure that the care home staff can have the time to assist you in settling in.

3. Who can give support?

Meeting with the manager of the care home might help in making you feel at ease when moving in. You can tell them if you need any help to settle in. Ask family members or friends to stay for a while until you have familiarized yourself with the new place. You can pay a visit to the new room and make sure that it will be to your liking. Below are the things that should be provided as required by Federal regulations:

• A room with a window where the natural light can come in. It will give you the right time orientation, including the season and weather
• A bed with a comfortable mattress that is appropriate to your height and size
• Weather-appropriate beddings
• Separate closet or clothing storage spaces

4. What to bring?

The aged care home most probably has the furniture, appliances, and furnishings you might need. However, you can still bring along small personal items. Make sure to consult with your care home for their guidelines on the matter. It is understandable if you want to bring all your things with you. But, you must also consider the size of your room and what things it can accommodate.

Notwithstanding what other personal belongings you will be bringing along, the following items are vital when moving into your new home:

Clothing and Accessories

• Comfortable
• Clothing that is easy to get on and off
• Sweatshirts, jackets, and socks in case it gets cold
• Non-skid shoes
• Purse, wallet, hat, scarf, beads, and hairclip. No sharp or pointed accessories.

Personal Care Products

• Favorite soap, shampoo, and toothpaste
• Perfume and lotion

Favorite Things

• Things with personal significance like family pictures, scrapbook, or photo album. It might be wise to put labels and names on the photos for easy recall.
• Posters, artworks, and memorabilia
• CD or MP3 with favorite music
• Favorite book, stuffed animal, blanket

After Moving In

The dilemma does not end once you have moved into the aged care home. There are several things you need to discuss regarding your finances, health, and personal matters.

1. Health Care Management

It will help if you discuss whether to keep your physician or you will transfer to the doctor and dentist in the care home. If you prefer to retain your doctor and dentist, you need to know how you will go to them and everywhen. You might want to officially put into writing your health preference, especially in times of serious illness.

2. Financial Management

It would be best to determine who you want to help you with your finances, like paying bills or purchasing items. Also, to ensure that your wish is respected, it might be prudent to have a will. Remember to give the name of your executor to the aged care home.

3. Self-Management

Ask about the social activities available and try to find a hobby you can enjoy doing alone or with others. Ask for guidelines when you want to attend personal events outside the care home. Discuss the visitation schedule so that you can stay connected with your family and friends.

Conclusion

Moving into an aged care home is a difficult time for all members of the family. It may never be the same as your real home, but it can be made safe and comfortable. Ask help from family members, friends, care home staff, and managers to make this place a happy and memorable one. Knowing that this new home will give your loved ones the quality health and home care they need can make the changes easier to bear.