Preparing for the move into residential care

As a self funder it is particularly important that you prepare well for your move into residential care as their can be financial implications if you need to move care home.  Moving into residential care can be as traumatic as experiencing a bereavement, so it might be worth spending a few minutes reading this and fully understanding what this transition from home to residential care means – and how to make it a positive experience.

Sometimes it is clear that there is no alternative to considering residential care, but if you are unsure if you need a care home 'click here'.
 

What is home?

Home is more than a physical place it is also a social environment in which people relate and interact with others; it is also where people have feelings and attach meaning to their experience of living there.

Imagine that it is you who are leaving your home, your neighbours, your friends, your familiar routines, all of this will be poignant when leaving your home for the last time.

Leaving your home

Leaving your home, whether it is planned or unplanned brings many changes, including changes in relationships and status – from householder to resident.

'Changes of place, at whatever age and stage of life, can have a negative impact on a person's sense of self and well-being'.

These losses can be devastating, but handled with a little thought and understanding they can create a more positive experience.

Financial and Legal Advice

To create as smooth a transition as possible it is important to investigate the financial and legal implications of moving into care; who will pay for what and what will happen to the house, are just a few of the things you need to think about.

1. Consider the legal implications of a move into residential care for the resident, remaining spouse or family, 'click here' for some commonly asked questions and answers or 'click here' to contact a legal advisor.
2. Investigate the financial implications of moving into care; a financial assessment will determine whether social services will contribute to the cost, 'click here' for information about assessments.
   
   If care is being paid for privately ensure professional advice is sought as this can lead to funds running out, which may result in having to find a cheaper care home.

Making the move easier

So what can you do to make this transition easier? Prepare the prospective resident and yourself;

1. Emotionally.

2. Physically.

'Who' makes the decision about moving into care is often crucial to how things work out. Studies have shown that deciding to move to a care home needs to be a 'positive choice' (National Institute for Social Work, 1988).

To make it work, people need to decide for themselves that that is what is best for them in their present circumstances. If other people decide 'what's best' then it may feel more like losing your home than leaving it.

Physical Preparation

1. Make sure you have chosen the best care home that will most suit the prospective residents needs, 'click here' for a list of questions to ask a care home.
2. Make a list of items the move will entail, for example selling or renting the house and cancelling services.
3. Make a plan for the move, how it will happen and when and discuss this with the prospective resident.
4. As the care giver, work out what support you will need.

Emotional Preparation

1. Involve the prospective resident in as much decision making as possible – avoid the fear of the unknown.
2. Spend some time in the new home; both the new resident and the relatives need to get to know the staff and other residents.
3. Take time to work out where everything is.
4. Prepare yourself as the carer for the emotion this may invoke in you.
5. Consider the issue of dignity when you move into residential care.

Moving in

Personal belongings create a familiar environment and may help the new resident to settle in, but ultimately you are likely to know how best to handle the initial moving in stages in relation to your relative – trust your instinct. Remember everything must be labeled. provides a range of labels that you can buy online.

Residential care for adults with learning disabilities

People with learning disabilities may also face the loss of their home – and it is often not their decision.

Often the loss of a home is preceded by the death of the carer, thereby creating a double loss, 'click here' for a Mencap information sheet on how to cope with bereavement.

In addition to losing their home, familiar routines, the experience of being understood, neighbours and everyday activities are lost.

Managing the transition means helping people to retain a sense of 'connectedness' or attachment.

The same principles apply with respect to preparing yourself and the prospective resident both emotionally and physically for a move.

This is a difficult time for both you and the prospective resident, why not say it with flowers…