Moving Into a Care Home: Essential Checklist

Moving into a care home is a significant life transition. This comprehensive checklist will help ensure nothing is overlooked and that the move goes as smoothly as possible.

Before the Move

Legal and Financial Preparation

Essential Legal Steps:

Ensure Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is in place for:
- Property and Financial Affairs
- Health and Welfare
Review and update your will
Consider Advance Decision (Living Will) for future medical care
Gather important documents (birth certificate, passport, NHS card)

Financial Arrangements:

Complete local authority financial assessment
Notify pension providers of address change
Inform Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Cancel or reduce direct debits for utilities/services
Inform banks and building societies
Arrange for bill payments to continue

Healthcare Transitions

Medical Handover:

Inform current GP practice
Register with care home's local GP if required
Transfer medical records
Prepare current medication list
Arrange prescription transfer
Notify hospital consultants of new address
Compile list of allergies and medical conditions

Property Matters

If leaving a property:

Decide whether to sell, rent, or leave vacant
Arrange home insurance if leaving vacant
Cancel or transfer utilities
Set up mail redirection
Arrange regular property checks
Secure valuables

What to Pack

Personal Items

Clothing (Label Everything):

Everyday comfortable clothing (7+ outfits)
Nightwear (3-4 sets)
Underwear and socks
Cardigan or jumper
Coat for outings
Comfortable shoes and slippers
Seasonal clothing

Toiletries:

Preferred soap/shower gel
Shampoo and conditioner
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Moisturiser/skincare
Preferred cologne or perfume
Hairbrush or comb
Electric razor (if applicable)

Making It Feel Like Home

Personal Touches:

Family photographs
Favourite cushion or throw
Familiar bedding or blanket
Small pieces of familiar furniture (if space allows)
Clock or watch
Radio or music player
Books or magazines
Hobbies and craft supplies

Memory Items:

Photo albums
Memory box with special items
Meaningful ornaments
Religious items if applicable

Entertainment

Television (if allowed and desired)
Radio or music system
Tablet or mobile phone with charger
Favourite books
Puzzle books or games
Craft supplies

Documentation to Prepare

'This Is Me' Document

Create a life history document including:

Preferred name and how they like to be addressed
Family tree and relationships
Life history and career
Hobbies and interests
Daily routines and preferences
Food likes and dislikes
Sleep patterns
Things that comfort them
Triggers that may cause distress

Why it matters: This document helps staff provide personalised care and engage in meaningful conversations, especially important for those with memory issues.

Medical Information File

Compile:

Current medication list with dosages
Allergy information
Medical conditions and history
Healthcare professional contacts
Hospital discharge summaries
Care plan documents

Day of the Move

Practical Tips

Arrive at a calm time (mid-morning often works well)
Avoid moving on staff changeover days if possible
Have a relaxed breakfast before leaving
Bring snacks and drinks for the journey
Allow plenty of time

Setting Up the Room

Arrange furniture and belongings
Display family photos prominently
Set up TV/radio if applicable
Put familiar bedding on the bed
Organise clothing in wardrobe/drawers

Meeting the Team

Introduce yourselves to key staff
Discuss daily routine expectations
Share the 'This Is Me' document
Exchange contact details
Ask about visiting arrangements

First Week Actions

Supporting the Transition

Visit frequently but allow time for settling
Keep initial visits shorter if anxiety is present
Bring familiar items forgotten on moving day
Join for a meal to see the dining experience
Participate in an activity together

Communication with Staff

Check in with key worker regularly
Discuss any concerns early
Provide feedback on preferences
Attend care plan review

Ongoing Matters

Update address for:
- Bank accounts
- Dentist and optician
- Magazine subscriptions
- Friends and family
Cancel unnecessary services and subscriptions

Emotional Support

For Your Loved One

Moving can be emotionally challenging. Consider:

Acknowledge the difficulty of the change
Focus on positive aspects
Be patient with the adjustment period
Maintain regular contact
Involve them in decisions where possible

For Family Members

Remember to:

Acknowledge your own emotions
Seek support from friends or counsellors
Connect with other families at the home
Take care of your own wellbeing
Celebrate the positive moments

Interactive Checklist

Conclusion

Moving into a care home requires careful preparation, but with this checklist and the right support, the transition can be managed smoothly. Remember, it's normal for settling in to take several weeks or even months.

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