Sometimes, people must make tough decisions, such as moving a loved one into a care facility. It can hurt, especially if your loved one enjoys living at home. However, it’s often the best choice, especially if you cannot provide the care they need to live safely. If you’re moving a loved one into a care home, here are the best ways to support them.
Choose the Care Home Carefully
Before anything else, pick a care home where you know your loved one will enjoy living. Do your research. If you are searching for a luxury care home in a 5-star style accommodation, Signature at Reigate Grange offers a range of care options on top of excellent activities, including a cinema room, so that might be a good choice if you live near Reigate. It’s the little things that count, such as the cleanliness of the environment and the daily activities. Be sure to visit the care home before officially deciding on one.
Consider Respite Stay
Respite stay refers to a temporary stay in a care home. It’s often used by people who are recovering, but it’s also popular with those who want to test the waters of the facility. A respite stay might be what your loved one needs to acclimatise to the change, so consider organising that before the official move.
Involve them in all the Choices
If possible, involve your loved one in the decision to move to a care home. The more control they have, the less they will feel like their autonomy is taken from them. It’s all about communication.
Plan How You’ll Communicate
To fully support your loved one, you’ll need to communicate with them regularly during their time at the care home. While visiting is highly encouraged, you should also set up digital communication so you can chat each day and check in on how they’re getting on. That might mean buying them an iPad that you can use to FaceTime them, for instance.
Help them with Moving and Decorating
Physically helping your loved one with the moving and decorating part of the process is a good idea. Not only will it mean your loved one doesn’t have to do the heavy lifting, but you can also help create a homely environment. Don’t forget to bring little things that brighten up a space, such as photographs and house plants.
Get to Know the Care Staff
It’s best to know the care staff, as it means you will have more insight into how the care home is run. Plus, these relationships will make way for increased understanding, which will hopefully boost the care of your loved one. If the care staff knows your loved one better, whether that’s their favourite meal or the time of day they like to be left alone to read, they can better accommodate them.
Supporting your loved one when they move into a care home is essential. Be there every step of the way, and they are more likely to settle in faster. Remember – you’re their support system, so they’re relying on you!
