Support Loved Ones Moving Into Care

When you make the decision to move a loved one into care, it can be a challenging time not only for them, but also you and your family. A care home is a change of environment and lifestyle which takes some adjusting too, and can be more stressful than a house move.

When supporting loved ones moving into care, it’s vital to navigate this phase with sensitivity and understanding. Acknowledging their emotions and providing a listening ear can lay the groundwork for a smoother adjustment. However, it’s equally important to anticipate challenges that may arise during this time of change. By exploring coping strategies and fostering open communication, you can help your loved one feel supported and valued as they embark on this new chapter. Remember, the journey ahead may be complex, but with the right approach, it can lead to a deeper connection and mutual growth.

1. Start the conversations early

When you start the process of considering moving to a care home early it can feel less pressured and stressful than when the need becomes a necessity. Talking to your relative about moving to care can be difficult as they may be reluctant to leave their own home, or be upset that they feel they are being told they are not capable of looking after themselves anymore, so the conversation has to be approached very sensitively.

If you start the discussion around care homes early, this can evolve as your loved one requires more assistance in their day to day living, for example if they start to have accidents, increasing their care requirements, you will feel more prepared having already had these conversations. If your loved one dementia, you should be clear with them and do this slowly so they have plenty of time to process the information and ask any questions if needed.

2. Visit the care home

You can go with your loved one to visit the care home and get a feel for the environment. Many care homes also offer respite care, which will offer your loved one a temporary stay in the care environment so they can get to know the staff and surroundings as well as what facilities are available to them to make an informed decision. This also provides the opportunity to ask questions and gather information.

3. Distance to family and loved ones

If your loved ones are close by it is helpful to agree a regular visitation schedule, or if they are further away this could be a contact schedule for phone or video calls. This can help with any concerns about feeling lonely or isolated when moving into care as they know when they will next see and speak to loved ones. Your loved one may feel worried about missing important family occasions and conversations so regular communication and visits can help them continue to feel included and part of the family.

4. Involving your loved one

There are a lot of decisions to make when moving a family member into care, and if they are able to, you should encourage your loved ones to be part of the conversations. This will also ensure they keep a sense of independence and involvement in decisions that impact them, and having them involved in the process will mean they should feel more in control of the decision to move to care.

5. The care home relationship

When creating a care plan, and moving into a care home you should work with the staff at the home to discuss your loved ones likes and dislikes, and any preferences they may have. You can tell them about their favourite songs, food, TV shows and any hobbies they may have that will help them during the transition period and make them feel more at home.  If the stay is likely to be longer than temporary respite care, this can also help to reassure you and your family that your loved one is getting individualised care and any issues can be easily resolved.

You can also work with the home to move across personal belongings from your loved ones home to their room in the care home. Familiar furniture, soft furnishings, ornaments and photos can help your loved one feel more comfortable in their new surroundings. Some care homes like Minton Care Hotels are also pet friendly, so they might be able to bring their pet along too.

6. Settling in

You can help your loved one, and put your mind at ease, by spending some quality time with them during the transition period when they move to the care home. You can get to know the home and local area, as well as looking at the activities on offer at the home and encouraging your loved one to socialise with other residents to build a sense of community.

Addressing Concerns and Fears

Addressing concerns and fears can greatly ease the shift for both you and your loved one as they move into care. Managing anxieties during this change is vital. Encourage open communication to identify specific worries and fears your loved one may have about moving into a care home. Listen actively and validate their feelings, showing empathy and understanding. Reassure them that their well-being is a top priority and that the care facility is equipped to meet their needs. Don’t forget, the staff at the care home are also able to help with concerns and fears.

If you would like to know more about how we can support you in moving loved ones to care, please contact us.