Despite the fact that we provide a superior standard of accommodation for residents to enjoy at all our residential care homes, moving into a care home can be a difficult time. Not just for the resident but also for family members.
The change from being in one’s own home with all the familiarities, memories and personal space is huge and can be very daunting. There are new places and rooms to adapt to, lots of new people and routines to take onboard.
Our caring staff do all they can to support all our new residents, are on hand to provide a welcome tour and answer questions but also to help introduce the care team and fellow residents. We are always there to provide help and support.
Care Assessment
We start with a care assessment to learn all about the needs of any new resident. Alongside personal care requirements, medical and dietary needs and key contacts, we also want to find out about social interests and activities.
This helps us smooth the transition from home to care home and to try and reduce the emotional upheaval by introducing like-minded residents and activities that will generate new friendships and hobbies as soon as possible.
Home Comforts
We suggest bringing some favourite items for your room, this could be a picture or painting or other objects or trinkets and of course photographs of loved ones. Soft furnishings such as cushions or a special throw are also a good idea and there may be room for a piece of furniture, your favourite chair for example.
You can also bring favourite books and ensure you have music loaded onto a device to listen to in your room.
Clothes and toiletries
Bring a range of clothing items for all weathers, things you are comfortable in, that are easy to wear and that you enjoy wearing. A good rule is to work on bringing two weeks’ worth of items. Include slippers and comfortable shoes for indoor and out as well as a couple of outfits for dressier occasions. Bring your straw boater for sunny days in the garden or your favourite wrap for cool evenings, too if you like.
Don’t forget to bring all your essential toiletries and items that you need on a daily basis and it’s a good idea to label your clothing in case they get muddled in the laundry.
Keep in touch with family and friends
It’s important to stay connected to your loved ones. You can invite them to visit or to join you for a meal. If you are struggling to reach them, we can contact them on your behalf.
Talk to us
Reach out to our staff with any queries or concerns, we are always there to listen and help. You might take a while to find your way around and need someone to take you whilst you get your bearings. You might want to eat in your room on some occasions or feel too warm or too cold. We are there to help.
Let our care staff get to know you. That way they can better understand your needs and preferences. The more we know about your background, your life in general, where you have lived and worked, the more we help guide you towards interests and people who will enrich your time with us.
Above all remember that we want to make you feel at home, to help you make the most of what is on offer and for you to be happy.
