How to Prepare for Moving to a Care Home

Moving into a care home is an enormous decision, and it’s inevitable that both the older person and their family will have mixed emotions about the transition. As a family member you might feel relief knowing that your loved one will get the care they need, but you'll probably also worry about how they’ll settle in. The decision to move into a care home involves emotional and logistical considerations, and planning the transition carefully is so important to ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved.

The good news is there’s plenty of support to help make this transition easier, not just for your loved one but for you too. From emotional reassurance to staying involved in their care, there are lots of ways to stay connected and feel confident about the move to a nursing home.

Helping a Loved One Settle Into a Residential Home

The first few weeks in a care home can feel like a big adjustment, both for your loved one and for you. It’s completely normal to wonder if they’ll feel comfortable, make friends, or settle into their new routine. But just like moving to a new house, it takes a little time, but there are plenty of ways to help make it feel like home.

One of the best things you can do is bring familiar items from home. Photos, favourite blankets, books, or even a well-loved chair can make their room feel more personal and comforting. Many care homes encourage families to help set up their loved one’s space, making it feel as familiar as possible from day one, including bringing some small items of your own furniture.

Care home teams are there to make the transition as smooth as possible. Staff take the time to get to know each resident, including their likes, routines, and interests, so they feel welcomed and supported. They’ll also introduce them to other residents and help them settle into daily life, whether that’s joining activities, enjoying quiet time in the lounge, or having a chat over a cup of tea.

It’s important to be patient during this period. Some people settle in quickly, while others need a little longer to adjust. Regular visits, phone calls, or even short outings can help reassure your loved one that you’re still very much part of their life. In time, the new surroundings will start to feel familiar, and they’ll find their own rhythm in their new home.

Emotional Support for Families

It’s easy to focus on how your loved one is settling in, but this transition is a big change for you too. Many families go through a rollercoaster of emotions, of course, they're thrilled that their loved one is safe and cared for, but they're probably also experience feelings of guilt, sadness, or even start second-guessing the decision to move. These feelings are completely normal, and you’re not alone in experiencing them.

One of the most helpful things you can do is talk about how you’re feeling. Whether it’s with other family members, friends, or even the care home team, sharing your worries can be a huge comfort. Many care homes also offer support groups where you can connect with other families who truly understand what you’re going through. For further information and additional guidance, resources like Care Rights UK can be invaluable during this challenging time.

Above all, be kind to yourself. Moving into a care home is a decision made with love, and it’s okay to have mixed emotions. Over time, as your loved one settles in, you may find that you’re able to enjoy your time together more, knowing they’re being well cared for and supported every day.

Communication and Ongoing Involvement

Good communication between families and care home staff helps ensure your loved one’s needs are met and allows you to remain actively involved in their life, even if you can’t always be there in person.

Most care homes will provide regular updates, whether through scheduled care reviews, informal chats with staff, or even family newsletters. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request updates if you need reassurance, care teams understand how important it is for families to feel informed and involved. Some care homes also have family liaison staff who can be a point of contact if you have any worries or simply want to check in on how your loved one is doing.

If you’re able to visit in person, creating a routine can be comforting for both you and your loved one. This could be a weekly visit on the same day, joining them for lunch, or spending time together during an activity they enjoy. Many care homes encourage families to take part in events like coffee mornings, seasonal celebrations, or even just an afternoon walk in the garden. These shared experiences help maintain strong family bonds and give your loved one something to look forward to. It’s also important to notify relevant parties about your new address after a relocation to ensure a smooth transition.

For families who live further away or aren’t able to visit as often as they’d like, there are still plenty of ways to stay in touch. Video calls can be a great way to connect, especially if your loved one enjoys seeing familiar faces rather than just hearing voices. If technology isn’t their strong point, care home staff are often happy to help set up calls. Sending letters, postcards, or small care packages with their favourite treats, books, or photographs can also bring a lot of joy. Even a simple recorded voice message can be a lovely way to brighten their day.

Another meaningful way to stay involved is by sharing snippets of family life. Sending pictures of grandchildren, pets, or special occasions can help your loved one feel included. Some families even create a memory book or scrapbook that can be updated over time, giving them something to look through whenever they want to feel close to home.

For those who prefer a more structured approach, some care homes offer family portals or apps where you can receive updates, view photos of activities, and even send messages. This can be a great way to stay engaged, particularly if visiting regularly isn’t an option.

Practical Support and Advice

Alongside the emotional side of this transition, there are also many practical aspects to think about. From understanding care home fees to sorting out legal matters, families often find themselves navigating a lot of new information. Thankfully, there’s plenty of support available to help make things clearer. The local council can provide assistance and resources related to care homes, including funding support, needs assessments, and notifying them of changes in circumstances.

Financial Guidance

Care home fees can feel overwhelming at first, but there are various funding options depending on your loved one’s needs and financial situation. Some people may be eligible for support from their local authority, while others might qualify for NHS funding if they have complex health needs. Additionally, contacting the local council can provide funding support and resources to help manage care costs. It’s always a good idea to have a financial assessment to understand what help is available. Care home staff can often point you in the direction of specialist advisors or charities that provide free guidance on funding and benefits.

Legal Considerations

If you haven’t already, this might be the time to look at legal matters such as Power of Attorney, which allows a trusted family member to make decisions on behalf of their loved one if needed. Wills, care planning, and any existing financial arrangements may also need reviewing. While these topics can feel daunting, there are professionals who can help guide you through the process, and care homes are usually happy to recommend legal advisors who specialise in elderly care.

Finding External Support

There are many charities and organisations offering practical and emotional support for families during this transition. Groups like Age UK, Dementia UK, and Carers UK provide advice, helplines, and resources to help answer any questions you may have. Many families also find comfort in online forums and local support groups, where they can connect with others who truly understand what they’re going through.

Navigating the practical side of a loved one’s move into care can feel overwhelming at times, but help is always available. Whether it’s financial advice, legal guidance, or simply someone to talk to, reaching out for support can make a big difference. Additionally, extra support is available for individuals with specific needs, such as hiring cleaners, gardeners, or professional carers.

How Care Homes Support Family Well-being

Care homes understand that adjusting to a loved one moving into a care home isn’t just a big change for the person themself, it’s a significant shift for families, too, and do everything they can to offer reassurance and guidance during the transition. Knowing you can pick up the phone and speak to a member of staff, get regular updates, or arrange a meeting to discuss any concerns can bring great peace of mind. Many care homes also have family liaison staff or keyworkers who act as a consistent point of contact, helping to keep you informed and involved. Additionally, care homes provide accommodation and personal care services, ensuring a comprehensive support system for residents.

Emotional support is just as important as practical support, and many care homes provide access to counselling services, support groups, or simply a listening ear from staff who understand the challenges families face. Being able to share your worries, ask questions, and hear from others going through similar experiences can be incredibly reassuring.

Ultimately, care homes aren’t just there to look after residents—they’re there to support families too. Whether it’s through regular updates, a friendly chat over a cup of tea, or simply knowing your loved one is in safe, caring hands, these small but meaningful efforts can make all the difference.

Support Is Always Available at Kingsacre Care Home

Moving a loved one into a care home is a big step, and it’s natural to have questions, worries, and mixed emotions. But you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. From helping your loved one settle in to staying connected and managing the practical side of care, there is plenty of support available for both residents and their families.

At Kingsacre Care Home, we understand how important it is for families to feel reassured, involved, and supported every step of the way. Our compassionate team is always here to answer your questions, offer guidance, and help make this transition as smooth as possible. Whether you want to arrange a visit, learn more about our care approach, or simply have a chat about how we can help, we’d love to hear from you.