Checklist for elderly moving into care accommodation
Moving from your home into care accommodation can be a stressful time, with lots of upheaval and many things to think about and organise.
Once you’ve gone through the process of selecting suitable care accommodation and have decided to make the move, you’ll need to start notifying a number of service providers, make arrangements to transport your possessions and prepare for the move. Here are some of the things that you will need to think about:
If you currently own your own home You may need to put your property on the market. You should contact at least three local estate agents to get an idea of the market value and fees involved, and consider the way they will market the property and what they are currently selling within your area and price range. You should also source a solicitor to act for you on the sale and purchase – try and get some quotes on the services before you decide.
If you are currently renting You will need to consider the notice period that you will have to give your current landlord and work this in with the date you will be able to move – you can check this on your tenancy agreement or by contacting your landlord/lettings agent.
Once you know the date that you will be moving As with any house move, it’s important to let family, friends, people and providers know that you’re moving, and give them your new address. People you’ll need to contact may include:
Service providers
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Bank or building society
- Pension providers
- Telephone/broadband
- TV Licensing
- Sky TV
With your utilities you will need to advise them that you are moving and you’ll need to read the relevant meters and note these for the final accounts.
Healthcare providers
- GP
- Dentist
- Optician
Other
- Council tax
- Vehicle registration
You may also want to consider arranging for your mail to be redirected for a time. This can be useful if you haven’t had the time to tell all your contacts about your change of address or you’ve forgotten to contact some. Try and arrange this well beforehand – you can do so easily through the Post Office (note there is a fee for this service).
Once you have your moving date Think about what items you’d like to take to your new home and what’s already there. If you are downsizing you may want to ask a friend or relative to help you work out what you can take with you and then arrange to either sell or give away the pieces you cannot take. You may also need to arrange for a removals company to transport your possessions to your new home. Use a company that’s a member of the British Association of Removers. It’s best to get at least two quotations for this and decide how much help you will need. Also save time and cost by doing some of the packing yourself. Ask your friends or relatives to save their boxes and packaging materials and take the time to package up those fragile and valuable items so they don’t get damaged in transit.
Arrange a home visit
It’s a good idea to arrange a home visit to your new home at least a week before you move in to check where things are and to familiarise yourself with the layout and facilities. Ask a friend or relative to come with you on the day and take the time to chat to staff and residents and ask any questions you may have.
Make yourself at home Once you’ve unpacked, it’s time to settle in. Take the time to get to know your new home and feel comfortable. Explore your surroundings and get to know the people – it will take time to adjust and for you to feel relaxed and comfortable. Share any concerns you may have with those around you and know that your friends, relatives and staff at your care accommodation will be there to support you. Remember that moving into care accommodation can be the start of a positive new life. There’s no need to worry about utility bills, meals or household chores, you’ll always have company and trained staff are always on hand to help. You’ll also get the chance to take up new hobbies or rekindle interests that weren’t possible without the help of friendly and supportive staff, and get to make wonderful new friends which all enables you to lead a happy and fulfilling life.
myageingparent has teamed up with Grace Consulting to offer you expert care advice
Grace Consulting provides affordable fee-based independent advice to help you choose the best care option to suit you and your relative’s needs and wishes. Our Care Advisers provide the knowledge and support you need to make the right decision for you and your family. myageingparent.com is partnering with Grace Consulting, the UK’s leading provider of personalised independent care advice, who, for over 40 years, has specialised in finding the best possible care for older people. Please note this is not an Age Concern or Age UK service.
