How to Support a Family Member Moving into a Care Home

Moving into a care home can be a great opportunity to benefit from round-the-clock care, company and support. However, the transition to residential living can be a source of anxiety and worry for many older adults. Any major lifestyle chance can feel daunting, even if it will result in an improved quality of life. Here at KYN, our team of dedicated carers and nurses do everything they can to support new residents. This includes helping them to maintain their preferred daily routines, take advantage of the facilities offered and get to know other residents. We take the time to personalise our approach to care, helping new residents to settle in as smoothly as possible. There are many ways you can also support your loved one as they transition to life in a care home.

Understand The Transition Process, And What To Expect

The transition process from independent living to full-time care in a residential home is naturally going to be filled with emotions. It’s important that you take the time to understand what your family member is going through, and let them feel heard and supported as they go through this process. If you can understand the process yourself, it will make it much easier to explain and guide your family member through the transition. Familiarise yourself with the facilities and services of the home, and speak to the team about how they will be helping your family member adjust.

Talk With Your Loved One About Their Feelings on The Move

It’s important to talk with your loved one about the move and how they are feeling. Encourage them to talk through their worries, fears or concerns and make sure that you listen without judgement. Acknowledging their emotions is essential in helping your family member feel heard and respected during this process. Remember that the whole transition is a change of lifestyle, not just physical accommodation. Make sure that your loved one knows that they are in charge and no one is forcing them to move – it’s their decision to make.

Research Different Care Homes To Find The Right Fit For Your Loved One

Even if you think you've found the right care home for your family member, it’s important to spend some time researching other facilities in the area. Care homes vary in their services and amenities, so make sure you have explored all of the options available before deciding on a home for your loved one. Taking the time to ensure that your loved one is moving into the right accommodation can alleviate some of their stress, and help them to feel more comfortable with their decision. What's more, if you're sure you've found the right location for your family member, it can make the entire process easier on yourself too.

Arrange A Visit to The Home Together

Arrange a visit to the home together – this will allow you and your loved one to explore the facilities, meet the team and other residents, and get an understanding of what everyday life might be like in the new care home. Visiting at different times of the day and attending any social events they may be holding can also be useful. Make sure you take plenty of time during your visit; it’s important that both yourself and your family member have time to explore and ask questions, as well as get a feel for the home. Remember, this will soon be their new home – so it's important that they take ownership of the process.

Help Them Arrange Their Finances

The cost of care home accommodation can be high, and it’s important that your loved one is prepared for these costs. You could offer to help them to arrange their finances  to ensure they are able to afford the cost of living in the home comfortably. This will help relieve any potential worries they may have, making the transition to residential living less stressful. It might also be helpful to discuss any extra costs associated with certain facilities or activities that the home offers. Ask the team for a detailed breakdown of the fees and what they cover so that you are well prepared.

Help Pack Their Belongings

Helping your loved one to pack their belongings and personalise their new living space can make moving into a care home much easier. Make sure you work together to decide which items should come with them, as well as anything that might need special attention when moving. It can be helpful to ask the care home for advice on what belongings they recommend bringing. For example, some care homes are fully furnished while others offer residents the option to bring furniture from home.

Accompany Them On Moving Day

You could offer to accompany your loved one on moving day, to help ease their mind and ensure that the transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible. This way you can be there to help answer any questions they have, or just provide a comforting presence in an unfamiliar environment. By being there during this transitional period, you can help ensure your family member is feeling supported and heard throughout the whole process. Moving into a care home can be a big change that takes some time to get used to. It's important that you offer support, understanding and compassion to help make the transition easier.

Stay In Touch Regularly, Including Visits & Phone Calls

Make sure to stay in touch with your loved one throughout their transition. Regular visits, phone calls and letters are a great way to show that you are thinking of them and encourage them to feel supported during this time. It’s a good idea to plan a regular day and time to visit so that your loved one will know when to expect you. Ask the care home if there are any policies you should be aware of first, such as visiting hours and the visitor’s policy. Remember, it's important that you also look after yourself throughout this process. It can be difficult when someone we love is going through a change in lifestyle, but it’s also essential that you take care of yourself too.

Encourage New Friendships With Nurses, Carers & Other Residents

The transition into a care home can be difficult for some, and it’s important that your family member has people to talk to. Encourage them to spend time getting to know their nurses, carers and other residents in the home. At KYN we place particular emphasis on providing emotional support and making the transition as natural and stress free as possible. Most care homes offer a variety of organised activities and social clubs which are great for forming new friendships. You may even be able to join in with some of these when you visit. This will help make your loved one feel more comfortable and familiar with their new surroundings. KYN residents benefit from a unique household system matching small groups of like-minded individuals together. Each household has its own dedicated care team. This allows our residents to form lasting social connections, helping them feel at home.

Experience Personalised Support & Holistic Care with KYN

At KYN, we provide holistic support and personalised care to all our residents. Our experienced team of nurses, caregivers and therapists are dedicated to providing a comfortable and safe environment for everyone in the home. We offer a range of activities and facilities to ensure that your loved one has everything they need to enjoy their new home. From arts and crafts workshops to yoga classes; and from outings to movie nights – we ensure that all our residents have the opportunity to experience a fulfilling and meaningful lifestyle. Contact KYN today to request a call, visit or brochure. Fill in our enquiry form, call us on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk.