Moving into an aged care home is a significant change, whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping someone you love make the move.
Knowing what happens before, during and after moving day can help make the process feel more manageable.
While every person’s experience is different, here’s what you can generally expect as you or your loved one settles into a new home.
Before moving day
The transition begins before you arrive.
This is an opportunity to share information about care needs, routines, preferences and the things that are important to you or your loved one.
Think beyond practical care needs. What time do you usually get up? How do you like to spend your day? What foods do you enjoy? What interests, relationships and routines are important to you?
These details can help employees begin getting to know the person before moving day.
Make the room feel familiar
A few familiar things can make a new space feel much more personal.
Clinical Care Manager Dorcas, from Regis Inala Lodge in Victoria, encourages residents and families to bring belongings that have meaning.
“Bring some things that will remind them of their home, like photos of their loved ones, a favourite vase or furniture that reminds them of home.”
Ask the home whether some belongings can be brought in before moving day. Dorcas says having them there on arrival can make a difference.
“When the resident comes in, it doesn’t feel like a blank canvas with nothing there that they’re familiar with.”
What happens on moving day?
Moving day is the beginning of getting to know a new place and the people in it.
You or your loved one will begin meeting employees, becoming familiar with the room and surroundings and working through the information needed to support the move.
If you’re helping someone else move, being there on the day can provide another familiar presence.
Dorcas says it’s normal for the day to bring mixed emotions.
“The first day when they first come in, it’s a bit daunting for the resident and the family.”
There can be excitement, uncertainty, relief or worry. There isn’t one way you are supposed to feel about the move.
The first few days are about getting to know each other
Employees won’t know everything about you or your loved one on day one.
Over the following days and weeks, they’ll continue learning about routines, interests, preferences, important relationships and how the resident likes to spend their time.
If you’re supporting someone through the move, keep sharing the things you know about them. Sometimes the smallest details can be useful in helping someone feel understood.
Settling into a new routine
Feeling settled can take time.
In the first few days and weeks, you’ll become more familiar with the home, the employees around you and your everyday routine.
Some people may want to meet other residents, join activities and explore their new surroundings straight away. Others may prefer to take things more slowly and become comfortable with their room and daily routine first.
If you’re supporting a loved one through the move, you may also need time to adjust. Your relationship continues, but what everyday life looks like may change.
There is no set timeframe for feeling settled. Keep communicating about what feels comfortable, what matters and anything that could make the transition easier.
Relationships continue after the move
Moving into aged care doesn’t mean leaving important relationships or interests behind.
Family and friends can continue visiting, calling and spending time together. The things you enjoy can remain part of everyday life too.
As the weeks pass, new surroundings, relationships and routines can gradually become more familiar.
Moving day is one day. Settling in is a process, and everyone experiences it differently.
