Who to Inform When Moving into a Care Home

When preparing to move into residential care, it’s important to be well-organised. Something you may have wondered is "if I am going into a care home, who do I need to inform?" Besides friends and family, there are many authorities you'll need to advise about your move, from banks to government departments. You may also have to cancel various subscriptions, services and utilities. At KYN, we aim to make the transition to residential living as easy and stress-free as possible. In this guide, we will explain exactly who to notify when going into a care home.

1)     Your GP

When moving into a care home, the first person to inform is your GP. They will need to know your new address for their records. You may have to change GPs if you are moving outside of your current practice’s catchment area. Alternatively, your new care home may recommend a specific GP that they work with. If you are changing GPs, you don't need to tell your current practice that you are leaving. Once you are registered with your new GP, you will automatically be removed from your old one.

2)     Other Health Professionals

Besides your GP, you'll need to inform any other relevant healthcare professionals of your change of address. For example:

·         Dentist

·         Optician

·         Hospitals

·         Specialists (e.g. audiologist, dietician, physiotherapist)

If you're moving out of the area, your care home will be able to recommend new health providers to switch to.

3)     Your Local Council

Your local authority will also need to know if you are planning to move into a care home. This is for two main reasons:

1.       You may be entitled to financial help with care home fees. Your council can arrange a needs assessment and a means test to decide this.

2.       You may qualify for a council tax exemption. This applies if you currently live alone, and your house will become unoccupied when you move to residential care.

You can find your local council's contact details on the GOV.UK website to inform them of your move.

4)     Electoral Roll

When you go into a care home or move care homes, you must update your details on the electoral register. This is a legal requirement – if you fail to register at your new address, you may receive a fine. You can use the government's online Register to Vote service to change your address. You’ll need your national insurance number to hand. Alternatively, you can contact your local elections office to request a paper application form.

5)     Benefits Departments

If you claim benefits, you'll need to report a change in circumstances. This is because moving to a residential or nursing home may affect your entitlement. Contact:

·         Your local council if you receive housing benefit

·         HMRC for state pension, tax credits or child benefit

·         The Pension Service helpline if you receive pension credit

·         The Disability Service Centre for disability-related benefits

·         The Universal Credit helpline for Universal Credit (or use your online account)

·         Jobcentre Plus for all other benefit claims

Be sure to inform all relevant departments as soon as you move. Otherwise, you may have to repay any overpayment you receive.

6)     Utility Companies

Contact your current utility providers to let them know you are moving and cancel your contracts with them. This may include gas, electricity, water, broadband, phone and TV.

You will also need to update your address with TV Licensing. However, if your care home has a license that covers all residents, you can cancel yours. You may also be able to request a partial refund if you've paid in advance.

7)     Insurance Companies

Next, inform any insurance providers about your change in address. For example:

·         Home insurance

·         Contents insurance

·         Health insurance

·         Life insurance

·         Travel insurance

If you're selling your home, you can cancel your home insurance policy. However, check with your new care home if you are bringing valuables with you (e.g. jewellery). You may have to take out additional cover to protect them.

8)     Banks and Building Societies

Once you have moved into a care home, update your address with any banks, building societies and credit unions you belong to. You can usually do this through a mobile app, online, over the phone or in-branch. You should also inform any other financial service providers e.g. loan companies, credit cards, personal pensions, investments and accounting firms.  

9)     Other Services

There are a number of miscellaneous services and companies that may need to know if you're moving into a care home. For example:

·         Subscription services (e.g. magazines, meal deliveries)

·         Gyms, clubs and societies

·         Online accounts and store cards

·         The DVLA (if you have a driving licence)

·         Solicitor

·         Gardener

·         Cleaner

·         Milkman

Finally, set up a Royal Mail Redirection online or at your local Post Office. This will ensure that any personal mail delivered to your old address will be forwarded to the care home.

Experience Personalised Care with KYN

If you are looking for luxury care homes in the South East, request a KYN brochure today. We provide the highest standards of residential and nursing care in beautiful, nurturing environments. At KYN, we take a 360-degree approach to wellbeing, treating each person’s physical, mental and spiritual health as a whole. We get to know each resident as an individual, allowing us to provide personalised care that truly reflects each resident’s history, interests, needs, abilities and desires. To learn more about what makes KYN stand out, take a look at our KYN BICKLEY photos or contact us today. Fill in our online form, call us on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk.