Transferring into a care home can be a sensitive period for both the residents and their whole family. Having said that, this transition can be switched into a positive experience with the following straightforward suggestions: See how we can help How we can help
PERSONALISE THEIR BEDROOM AND MAKE IT HOMELY.
Place familiar objects around your loved one’s room, such as photographs, ornaments or a favourite chair. This will make their room feel more like home and help them settle in much quicker.
PACK THE RIGHT CLOTHES AND TOILETRIES.
Try and bring your loved one enough clothes and toiletries for at least 2 full weeks. Remember to put a name tag on each item of clothing so that they don’t get mingled up with the washing of other residents’ in the laundry room. Try to pack toiletries that your loved one typically uses at home as the familiar smells will help your family member in the settling in process.
GIVE THE STAFF LOTS OF INFORMATION.
The staff at the care home want to help make your loved one’s relocation into the care home as positive as feasible. So, prior to your loved one moves in, give the care home staff some relevant information about your family member’s life so they can use this to create a connection with their new resident as rapidly as possible. This will also help the resident feel more at home if they are able to have chats with the staff about very special events in their life.This info could be in the form of highlights about your loved one, or a short story about them as well as pictures of them with family members. Things to incorporate could be: Where did they grow up? When and where did they get married? How many children and grandchildren do they have? What was their profession?
SPEND TIME AT THE HOME BEFORE THEY MOVE IN.
Care home staff often say that residents settle in faster and loved ones feel more assured if they spend some time at the care home before moving in. This can prompt your relative to get to know staff members and other occupants and get to know the everyday routines before they move in. This avoids the change from being too much of a shock to the system.
BE THERE FOR THEM WHENEVER THEY MAKE THE MOVE.
On the day of the move give yourself more than enough time to do whatever comes up and be prepared to remain for the whole day. Attempt to finish all forms and vital activities beforehand so that your time can be spent making your loved one feel as comfortable as feasible and making their room feel like home.You’re likely to sense a mixture of feelings on this day – relief that your family member is going to be receiving the care they need, sadness that they are leaving their home, worry about if they will settle in okay. All of these emotions are completely regular and easy to understand, but try and be as positive as possible to assure your family member and help them to feel positive too.
We really hope this quick guide has been useful and given you some helpful guidance on how to move your family member into a care home and make it a favorable experience for everyone involved.
If you need any more help you can reach us here Beaucare Patient Care