Moving into an aged care home means getting used to new surroundings, routines and people. But it doesn’t mean leaving behind the things that make you feel at home.
Whether you’re planning a move for yourself or supporting someone you love, there are simple ways to make the transition easier.
- Make your new room feel like home
Your room is your personal space, so think about the things you’d like to have around you.
- Bring family photos and meaningful belongings.
- Choose familiar bedding, artwork or decorations.
- Ask whether you can bring a favourite chair or piece of furniture.
- Find out if you can set up your room before moving day.
Clinical Care Manager Dorcas Sangalang, Regis Inala Lodge in Victoria, encourages families to bring familiar belongings, such as photographs or a favourite vase, and if possible arrange them before the resident arrives.
- Keep the routines you enjoy
You don’t have to give up your personal preferences when you move into aged care.
Think about the everyday things that are important to you and share them with the team supporting you.
- What time do you like to wake up and go to bed?
- How do you prefer to spend your mornings?
- What food and drinks do you enjoy?
- Are there daily rituals or activities you’d like to continue?
Sharing these details can help those around you understand how you like to spend your day.
- Stay connected with the people you love
Moving into aged care doesn’t mean leaving your existing relationships behind.
Family and friends can continue visiting, calling and spending time with you. You can also arrange outings and continue activities you enjoy together, with support where needed.
- Arrange regular visits or phone calls.
- Continue favourite activities with family and friends.
- Ask about support for outings or video calls.
- Continue doing what you love
Your interests remain an important part of who you are.
Whether you enjoy gardening, music, reading, exercise or creative activities, talk to the team about how you’d like to spend your time.
Regis homes offer lifestyle activities and opportunities for residents to meet people, pursue their interests and participate in their local community.
- Tell the team about your hobbies and interests.
- Explore the activities available in your new home, you can even ask to see the activity calendar before you move in.
- Ask how you can be supported continue enjoying your existing hobbies.
- Give yourself time to settle in
There’s no set timeframe for feeling comfortable in a new home.
You might enjoy meeting other residents and joining activities straight away, or you might prefer to get to know your surroundings gradually.
- Take time to explore your new surroundings.
- Get to know the team supporting you.
- Ask questions and share anything that could make you more comfortable.
Let someone know if you need additional support settling in.
Team members can help you become familiar with your new home and discuss any concerns or preferences as you settle in.
The important thing to remember is that moving into aged care doesn’t mean starting your life from scratch. Your relationships, interests and personal preferences remain part of who you are.
With familiar belongings, opportunities to continue doing what you enjoy and support from the people around you, your new surroundings should gradually begin to feel like home.
