How to Prepare for Moving into a Care Home (Checklist)

Whether you’re supporting a loved one moving into a care home or moving there yourself, it’s a big decision that requires careful thought. But while making the transition to a care home might feel overwhelming, it can also be an exciting time. 

Do as much research as you can before moving into a care home. Request brochures, look online and visit the residence regularly at different times of the day. This will help you become acquainted with the environment, the atmosphere and the people. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff plenty of questions pertaining to your needs and interests. You can also take home a service user's guide and a statement of purpose to read at your leisure.

To help you prepare for moving into a care home, we have compiled a checklist to help guide you on what steps to consider and questions to ask prior to making a decision.

Moving into a Care Home: Things You Need to Know

Moving into a care home is a wonderful opportunity to begin a new and fulfilling stage of life. Residential living will help you maintain the lifestyle, activities and valued relationships you enjoy in a caring and safe environment.

Every care home offers different levels of support, activities and opportunities for you to maintain your health and independence. Before moving in, you should understand how the home will help you to live as independently and comfortably as possible whilst meeting your care needs. Questions you could ask include:

• Are there nurses on-site and what levels of training will staff have undertaken?
• Who will my GP be whilst I’m living in the home and what will be the levels of specialist support when I need help?
• How does the home charge for hospital stays?
• Is alcohol allowed in the home?
• What facilities are offered within the home? How will I be supported to maintain my existing interests and relationships in the community?
• What are the arrangements to enable me to entertain my friends?
• What is included within the fees and what is extra?

Before deciding if a home is right for you, it’s important to find out as much information as you can. If possible, you should also visit the residence to experience it in person.

Spend Time at the Care Home

Moving to your new care home will be easy if you’re already familiar with it. So, visit the home as often as you can before you move in. Ask if you can spend a day there to take part in the daily routine and activities.

Some care homes offer respite care. This allows non-residents to live there temporarily. It’s a great way to experience life in the home before you move in.

Get to know not only the home itself, but also the residents and staff. This is important, as these are the people you’ll be spending much of your time with should you live there.

Check What’s Included in the Fees

It’s important to understand what’s included in the care home fees. This may vary depending on the home itself, the level of support you’ll need, and what facilities and services are offered. Generally, care home fees will cover:

• Accommodation
• Utilities
• Bed linens and towels
• Laundry
• Meals
• Day-to-day care and assistance

Some care homes may charge extra for additional services such as hairdressing, outings and entertainment. 

Discuss Your Needs and Interests

Before moving into a care home, you should be confident that your needs and interests will be provided for. You can ask questions such as:

• What is a typical day like? Is the routine adaptable to earlier or later bedtimes? Can I come and go and spend my time as I please?
• What kind of food is typically served and what choices are there? Are mealtimes flexible – can I eat where and when I like? Can the home accommodate my dietary requirements and preferences along with my favourite special treats?
• What varieties of entertainment are on offer? Can residents go on outings or attend events?
• Are there activity programmes, such as clubs, art workshops, guest speakers, learning or exercise classes?
• How frequently can friends and family visit? Can they join in with my activities? Can I host them for a special occasion or dinner?

Make note of anything you'd like to find out, and don't be afraid to ask if you're unsure about something. The staff are there to help and support you.

Bring ‘Home’ with You

The best way to prepare for moving into a care home is to bring personal items with you. This will help you feel at home from the moment you move in. 

Make a list of what you’d most like to bring. This might include:

• Photographs and other keepsakes
• Jewellery
• Ornaments
• Hobby items
• A favourite blanket
• Devices such as a radio or television
• Your preferred toiletries and cosmetics

Many care homes, such as KYN, provide room furnishings (including beds and chairs) as standard. However, some homes require you to supply your own, so be sure to ask if you’re unsure.

Take Time to Settle In

Once you’ve moved in, the only thing left to do is to tell friends and family your new address. Don’t forget to inform your bank, council and GP surgery, as well as other relevant authorities such as HMRC.

It’ll take some time to get used to living somewhere new, so allow yourself to settle in gradually. As you get to know the carers and your fellow residents, and begin to take part in activities, you’ll soon feel at home.

Remember, the carers have your best interests at heart. They will be happy to answer your questions and help you get used to life in the home however they can.

Choose KYN for Exquisite Residential Care

At KYN Bromley, our luxury care homes offer the highest standards of residential, nursing, dementia, respite and palliative care in a beautiful, comfortable and nurturing environment.

Taking a holistic approach, we treat each individual’s psychological and physical support needs as a whole. We’ll thoroughly get to know your past, personality, passions and interests to provide fully individualised care that’s as unique as you are. We pride ourselves on providing exquisite care with love.

To discover our beautiful care homes, fill in our enquiry form today and request a call, visit or brochure. Alternatively, call KYN on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email us at enquiries@kyn.co.uk.