While there’s no way to make such a transition completely free of emotion, there are ways to make it gentler, more informed, and rooted in respect for the person at the heart of the move. This article brings together common experiences, early signs that care might be needed, and practical steps to help you prepare, so when the time comes, you can focus on making the move as positive and personal as possible.
It’s important to recognise that emotions run deep on both sides of this decision. For individuals moving into care, feelings can range from fear (about losing independence or being forgotten) to hope (for safety, support, and companionship). Some may grieve for the home or lifestyle they’re leaving behind, while others find relief in knowing help is at hand.
Family members often navigate a different mix of emotions – guilt, wondering if they’re “abandoning” a loved one, worry about the quality of care, and sometimes conflict if relatives disagree on the timing or choice of home. Yet relief also plays a part, knowing their loved one will be safe and supported. Recognising and validating these emotions early helps create an open, honest space where everyone feels heard.
Many moves into care are prompted by a sudden event – a fall, illness, or hospital stay. But early preparation can help avoid rushed, crisis-driven decisions.
Some early indicators include:
• Daily living difficulties – such as challenges with cooking, cleaning, bathing, or managing bills.
• Cognitive changes – memory lapses, confusion, or disorientation in familiar settings.
• Health and safety concerns – frequent falls, poor nutrition, or difficulty managing medication.
• Social withdrawal – reduced interaction, loss of interest in hobbies, or signs of loneliness.
• Caregiver strain – family members feeling overwhelmed or unable to meet increasing needs.
Addressing these signs proactively gives families time to explore options, involve the person in decisions, and plan financially and emotionally for the future.
A move into care is more than a change of address; it’s a change in daily life, routines, and surroundings. The more prepared you are, the more positive the experience can be.
1. Start the conversation early
Engage your loved one in open discussions about their needs, preferences, and concerns. This helps preserve their dignity and gives them a real voice in shaping their future care.
2. Research and visit care homes
Take the time to visit potential homes together, get a feel for the environment, and talk to residents and care team. This first-hand experience can ease anxiety and support informed decisions.
3. Organise legal and financial documents
Having the right paperwork ready before the move can make the entire transition smoother, less stressful, and free from last-minute delays. Start by pulling together essential medical and health records, including a summary of medical history, a full list of medications (with dosages and schedules), GP and specialist contact details, and any relevant vaccination records. If care assessments or advance care plans, such as DNAR or ReSPECT forms, exist ensure they are accessible and up to date.
From a financial perspective, gather bank account details to set up direct debits for fees, any relevant insurance policies, and a clear budget for care home costs and extras. Legal documentation, such as power of attorney (for health and financial decisions) or guardianship orders (if applicable), should also be in place well before the move.
You’ll also need to prepare care home admission documents, including completed application forms, signed contracts, consent forms, and an inventory of personal belongings. Finally, share personal and lifestyle preferences with the care team, from dietary requirements and cultural needs to daily routines, hobbies, and a list of emergency contacts. Providing this information upfront helps the care team to deliver truly personalised care from day one and ensures your loved one’s comfort, dignity, and individuality are respected.
4. Personalise their new space
Making a care home room feel warm, familiar, and personal can ease the transition and boost emotional wellbeing. It’s not just about what you bring; it’s about creating a space that reflects your loved one’s identity, history, and comforts.
Involve them in choosing what to bring; this not only provides comfort but also offers a sense of empowerment and control over their new environment. If possible, recreate familiar layouts by placing furniture and treasured items in similar spots to their previous home. Sensory touches such as a favourite scent, a soft blanket, or the sound of a familiar radio station can spark positive memories and help the room feel like “theirs” from day one.
Label items discreetly to avoid mix-ups while preserving dignity, and if you can, visit together before move-in day to decorate and arrange the room. Small, meaningful touches can make a big difference in helping someone settle.
5. Stay involved
Keep communication open with the care team, visit regularly, and celebrate milestones together. Ongoing involvement supports both the resident’s wellbeing and your peace of mind.
Beyond the logistics, emotional support is key to a successful transition. Simple acts like listening without judgement, validating feelings, and creating small rituals like weekly phone calls or Sunday tea visits can have a big impact. Reassure your loved one that moving into care does not mean losing independence or identity. Many residents find new friendships, rediscover hobbies, and enjoy the security that comes from having support on hand. Most importantly, remember that adjustment takes time. There will be good days and challenging ones, but patience, consistency, and empathy go a long way.
“Supporting someone’s journey into care is about more than just providing care and a room; it’s about making them feel truly welcome. We keep our information clear and jargon-free, take the time to listen, talk, and understand, and make sure everything is ready, just as you would if you had family coming to stay. Our team is fully briefed on each new resident’s needs, likes, dislikes, and little preferences, so their room feels like a home and the care team feel like family. I welcome them and their loved ones, not just on day one but again in those first few days, because they set the tone for settling in. We respond to feedback, learn quickly, and always walk in their shoes, drawing on our own experiences and the hundreds of families we’ve supported. For them, this may be a first-time experience; for us, it’s about making sure it feels just as special as the very first time we did it.”
Richard Lawson, General Manager, Wombwell Gardens, Belmont Healthcare
At Belmont Healthcare, our focus is on supporting the entire care journey. Our ethos is to empower families with the information, reassurance, and space they need to make choices with confidence. We work closely with families before, during, and after a move, offering:
From the first conversation to the first cup of tea in a new home, our aim is to make every transition feel personal, respectful, and positive, because at Belmont Healthcare, we are here for your care journey. Contact our team to find out more.
Whether you need help with how to choose a care home, would like a quote or have a question, we’re happy to reply to you by email or call you back.
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