What to Expect When Moving into Residential Care
So, you or your loved one has made the decision on whether to move into a residential care home or not. And you’ve conducted an abundance of research into which care home to choose, before deciding on a perfect new abode.
But what exactly can be expected from a residential care home? Will it feel like a home from home? What are the advantages, and how can you make the necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth and seamless transition into care home life?
Our insightful guide aims to equip you with everything you or your loved one will need to prepare for the move into a residential care home. We’ll cover how to discuss the practical and emotional challenges of such a move, as well as and how to prepare and manage expectations.
Advantages of Residential Care Homes
Essentially the term ‘residential’ means a place residents can treat as their home, with access to care services – if required. It is often also referred to as assisted living.
Understandably, for many elderly people, moving into a care home can often be seen as a loss of independence, which can be an enormous emotional challenge.
To manage expectations and make the move as stress-free as possible, it’s a good idea to think about and discuss the huge wealth of advantages of residential care homes.
- Essential care services and support available to residents 24/7.
- Peace of mind for residents and their loved ones – that it’s a safe and comfortable living environment.
- Community full of like-minded individuals.
- Many facilities available within the home that residents may not have had access to previously.
- Delicious and nutritious food and drink prepared with resident health and well-being in mind.
- Warm and welcoming setting for visitors of residents.
- A sense of relief from the burden of keeping a house maintained.
These are just a few of the many advantages of residential care homes, not limited to the care services available. Get a taste of what you or your loved one can expect from life within a care home by reading stories and updates from care homes across the country
What Care Services are Available in Residential Homes?
Moving into residential care may be one of the biggest changes an elderly person can go through in their lifetime.
So, what do care homes do and why might they be more beneficial than other care options?
One of the main reasons many over 55s will have for moving into residential care is an increased need for care and support with day-to-day tasks, which can no longer be provided by friends, family, or visiting care providers.
These assisted living services can include:
- Assistance getting in and out of bed
- Getting dressed
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Medication supervision
- Mobility support
You or your loved one can expect care in residential homes to also take the form of support with cooking and cleaning – normally taken care of by an experienced housekeeping and kitchen team. They ensure residents live in the highest possible conditions.
Who Lives in Assisted Living?
If your loved one is moving into a care home, it could be beneficial to reassure them they’ll be surrounded by many other like-minded people experiencing similar feelings and in similar situations.
The age demographic of residential care homes is normally over 55s, looking for a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment to spend their retirement years, with essential care services on hand, should they be required.
Resident well-being in care homes is something that is consistently reviewed and monitored to ensure the best possible care is being provided in the highest-quality setting.
Do you have further questions about moving into residential care, or wish to discuss vacancies in residential care homes near you? Get in touch with our friendly team of advisors today
