Moving a loved one into a care home can be a difficult time for everyone involved. However, it can also be an incredibly positive experience, bringing comfort and security to your family member, while offering a new type of independence and peace of mind.
Choosing the right home
The first care home you visit will probably not be the one you end up choosing - make sure you visit a variety to ensure you are getting the best fit for your family member. When you go on your first visit, don't be afraid to ask questions! Ask about the facility's safety and security features, meal options, activities, and, if relevant, provisions for specific medical or mental health needs. Be sure to keep the lines of communication with your family member open, so that they know they can talk to you about any concerns they have.
What are the common issues people face?
Once you and your family member have decided which care home would best suit their needs, it can feel like a whirlwind of admin and activity. There’s nothing wrong with slowing down the process if you already have care provisions in place to allow both you, and your family member, to adjust to the change. This will also give you time to have conversations about what they need in their space in their new home, and sort through any belongings that won’t be moving with them.
Support for you
It’s important to recognise the upheaval that moving a family member into a care home can cause, both with regards to environment and emotional impact. If you were their main caregiver, you may feel bereft without that role. Make sure that you take some time for yourself to work through any feelings you may have.
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