What to expect when moving into Residential Aged Care
Moving into an aged care home can be a challenging, emotional and exciting time for both yourself, and your family, friends and carers. Beyond the move itself, there are always friendships to be made, conveniences to be enjoyed, and beautiful spaces that will soon feel like home.
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19 August 2022
Stories
| Aged Care Homes
What to expect when moving into Residential Aged Care
Moving into an aged care home can be a challenging, emotional and exciting time for both yourself, and your family, friends and carers. Beyond the move itself, there are always friendships to be made, conveniences to be enjoyed, and beautiful spaces that will soon feel like home.
If you are planning to move, at this stage you have completed your ACAT assessment, received your funding approval, viewed your aged care home and have been offered a placement. It’s a good idea to start planning for your move.
At BaptistCare, our residential aged care homes are strong and caring communities that focus on improving personal wellbeing and quality of life. Our aged care teams are determined to help you feel at home the moment you arrive. Here is some helpful information on what to expect in your aged care move.
What do I need to do before I move into an aged care home?
Like any move, there are small but important tasks that you need to tick off before relocating into an aged care home. Aside from letting your family, friends, carers and neighbours know about your impending move, there’s a long list of situations where you may need to update your address. Start with any health care professional you currently or historically have used (doctors, dentist, allied health and pharmacist). It would serve you to let your local post office know, and perhaps put a redirect of your mail temporarily. Government departments will need to be advised of the change in address and do be aware that updating one department doesn’t necessarily update all of them. This includes Medicare, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Department of Human Services, and the Australian Electoral Commission. Your utilities and subscriptions need to be informed and updated. And any contractors or support services that you currently receive around the house will also need to be cancelled, such as gardeners, cleaners, meals on wheels, or home care providers.
Your carer or family member may be able to help you in ticking off the long list of updates you need to make.
My Aged Care has a convenient and printable checklist available here.
What do I need to pack and bring with me when moving into an aged care home?
Each residential aged care home has different space allocations and room layouts or sizes which may affect what you might bring with you in your move. It’s always a good idea to ask your residential aged care manager if there are items you are unsure about. So that you can settle in quickly and really make your new space feel like home, at BaptistCare residential aged care homes you’re encouraged to bring your known and loved personal belongings with you. This may include framed photographs, mementoes, blankets and even bedspreads, alongside your personal belongings such as clothing.
People usually bring along their own hearing devices if required. Any visual devices, like laptops, can be borrowed from your home so you can connect with your family, but if you have one, you may bring it along. You can also bring any mobility supports such as walking frames, wheelchairs and toileting aids, however if necessary, your home can arrange.
Your warm and welcoming place to call home
Your room will be clean, prepped and awaiting your arrival. It will be fitted with essential furniture including an appropriate bed for the level of care required, bedding, bedside table, wardrobe and drawers, and armchair. Should your room include a private courtyard or balcony, you may wish to bring a special plant or two. Fixtures already in place will include helpful supports for your safety, with rooms specifically designed for the purpose. Personal items, like your favourite chair or lamp are encouraged, and we do a WHS check to make sure there are no injury risks. Any electrical items are also tested and tagged by licensed electricians to ensure safety.
Do I need to bring a phone or television to my aged care home?
Your room usually has outputs available for telephones and televisions. At BaptistCare, we provide rooms with a television, however, if residents want to bring a different TV, we try to accommodate their wishes. The residential aged care home may be able to provide the resident with a phone service and handset but if you prefer, you are most welcome to organise your own with a telco provider of your choice. It may be helpful to get a loved one to set this up for you. Some BaptistCare residential aged care homes also have Services Plus in place, providing greater entertainment and lifestyle choices such as high speed Wi-Fi enabling you to keep in touch with loved ones.
Can I bring my hobbies along?
Personal items such as knitting supplies and books are not restricted and can be brought in. Aged care homes usually provide access to libraries, magazines, and newspapers. Activities officers can also offer crafts or knitting materials for you to enjoy, when it is safe to do so.
Who can help me move into my residential aged care home?
On moving day, your friends and family can provide valuable support and a special role in helping you move your belongings and set up your new space. Any existing carers or support people might also play a role in helping you feel comfortable before, during and after your move. It helps to organise the move for a quieter time of day so there can be more hands available to help set you up. Ask your aged care home when the best time to move is. Your friends, family or carer may like to stay with you for a while until you feel a bit more orientated in your new space. Our BaptistCare aged care teams are always here to help, this may even include helping you set up your room or hanging family photos.
How can I get help settling in?
Our team play an important role in helping you feel at home, sooner. We will walk you through everything you need to know about the home and help you get to know the new routines and experiences. We will introduce you to other residents and help you to make new acquaintances. We will share our own names and positions often so you become familiar with our team. From the moment you get here, we exist to support you in your health, your well-being, your social life and your safety.
What happens next?
After you’re settled, your aged care home staff will discuss your needs and develop a care plan to meet them. Should you already have a care plan in place by other medical professionals please bring that along with you.
At BaptistCare, we’ll introduce you to our tried and proven ways of care that we know make a difference. Like our MyTeam approach where you as a resident, your family and consistent team members of our team all become partners in care. In practice, it means the same people provide personal care for you every day they work. For more information on this unique approach, click here.
As you settle in, you’ll be able to explore all the extra activities and conveniences that are now available to you as a resident of a BaptistCare aged care home. And we look forward to welcoming you home.
Why BaptistCare?
We are committed to providing person-centred care that encourages independence and quality of life. Our philosophy of care is based on Christian principles that are reflected in all aspects of our purpose, vision, values and services.
Our well-trained staff can support a broad range of care needs to suit each of our residents: from those who are still fairly independent, to the ones with complex needs such as people living with dementia, right through to end of life care. We are here to be that extra support families need in ensuring their loved ones are well cared for and feel safe.
Search BaptistCare aged care homes near me
You can explore BaptistCare Aged Care Home locations across New South Wales and the ACT through our simple online search tool. Click here to search for an aged care home near you.
Our well-trained staff can support a broad range of care needs to suit each of our residents: from those who are still fairly independent, to the ones with complex needs such as people living with dementia, right through to end of life care. We are here to be that extra support families need in ensuring their loved ones are well cared for and feel safe. Contact BaptistCare to find out how we can help you.
Click the link below to learn more about BaptistCare's
Residential Aged Care | MyTeam | Understanding Aged Care | Financial Guide | Find a centre
Make an Enquiry
If you would like to know more, please contact us on 1300 275 227 or complete the enquiry form and one of our customer representatives will be in touch.