Moving Care Homes for Someone with Dementia

Moving a loved one with dementia to a new care home can feel like a daunting prospect. Whether you're looking to move from one care setting to another, or considering care home support for the first time, it's natural to have concerns about how your loved one will cope with the change. Understanding how to manage this transition can help make the process smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.
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Why Consider Moving Care Homes?

There are many reasons why you might be thinking about moving your loved one to a different care home. Sometimes it's about finding specialist dementia care, being closer to family, or ensuring they receive the right level of support as their needs change.

Common reasons for considering a move include:

Need for more specialist dementia care
Desire to be closer to family members
Changes in care needs requiring different levels of support
Seeking better quality of care or facilities

Every decision to move is personal, and what matters most is finding the right environment where your loved one can thrive and receive the care they need.
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Recognising When It's Time for a Change

Knowing when to consider a move isn't always straightforward. However, there are often signs that can help you recognise when current care arrangements might need to change.

Key indicators might include:

Current care provision no longer meeting needs
Deterioration in condition requiring more specialist support
Distance from family becoming a significant barrier
Changes in behaviour suggesting dissatisfaction with current care

Understanding these signs can help you make timely decisions about moving, ensuring your loved one gets the right support when they need it.
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Planning the Move

Careful planning is essential when moving someone with dementia to a new care home. Taking time to prepare can help reduce anxiety and make the transition smoother for everyone involved.

Important planning steps include:

Researching potential new care homes thoroughly
Involving your loved one in decisions where possible
Communicating with current and new care providers
Planning the practical aspects of the move

A well-planned move gives everyone time to adjust and helps ensure all necessary arrangements are in place.
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Choosing the Right Care Home

Finding the right care home is critical for a successful move. It's important to look for a home that not only meets current needs but can also provide appropriate care as these needs change.
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What to Look for in a New Care Home

When choosing a new care home for someone with dementia, there are several key factors to consider. The right environment can make a significant difference to how well your loved one settles in and thrives in their new home.

Essential features to look for include:

Specialist dementia care expertise and training
A warm, welcoming atmosphere
Safe, dementia-friendly design and layout
Engaging activities and social opportunities

Taking time to find a care home that meets these criteria can help ensure a successful transition and happy future for your loved one.
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Making the Transition Smoother

The way you approach the move can have a big impact on how well your loved one adapts to their new environment. A gradual, well-planned transition often works best for people with dementia.

Helpful approaches include:

Arranging visits to the new home before moving
Bringing familiar items and personal belongings
Maintaining regular routines during the move
Keeping communication clear and reassuring

These strategies can help reduce anxiety and make the change feel less overwhelming for your loved one.
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Supporting the Settling-in Period

The first few weeks after moving are crucial for helping your loved one adjust to their new home. During this time, both family members and care staff play important roles in supporting the transition.

Key aspects to focus on include:

Maintaining familiar routines where possible
Regular visits from family and friends
Encouraging participation in activities
Keeping communication open with care staff

Remember that everyone settles in at their own pace, and it's normal for there to be some adjustment time needed.
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Creating a Familiar Environment

Making the new space feel familiar and comfortable can help enormously with the settling-in process. Personal touches can make a big difference to how at home someone feels.

Consider bringing:

Favourite furniture pieces or chairs
Family photos and meaningful decorations
Familiar bedding or cushions
Personal items that bring comfort

These familiar items can help create a sense of continuity and comfort in the new environment.
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The Role of Family Members

Family involvement can make a significant difference to how well someone adapts to their new care home. Your ongoing support and presence can help ease the transition and provide reassurance.

Ways to stay involved include:

Regular visits at different times of day
Participating in care home activities
Building relationships with care staff
Helping maintain connections with friends and community

Your involvement helps create a bridge between past and present, supporting a more successful transition.
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How Ashberry Care Homes Supports New Residents

At Ashberry Care Homes, we understand that moving to a new care home is a significant change. Our experienced team is dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible for both residents and their families.

We offer:

Personalised settling-in programmes
Regular updates and communication with families
Dedicated key workers for each resident
Flexible visiting arrangements

Our approach ensures that new residents and their families feel supported throughout the moving process.
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Making the Decision

If you're considering moving your loved one to a new care home, we're here to help. At Ashberry Care Homes, we specialise in providing high-quality dementia care in a warm, welcoming environment.

We can support you by:

Arranging visits to our homes
Discussing your loved one's specific needs
Explaining our approach to dementia care
Supporting you through the moving process

Get in Touch

Let us help you explore how Ashberry Care Homes can provide the right environment and support for your loved one. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process of moving to one of our homes.

Call us on 01442 819194 or email enquiries@ashberry.net to:

Arrange a visit to one of our homes
Meet our care team
Discuss your loved one's specific needs
Learn about our settling-in process

We're committed to making the transition to a new care home as smooth and positive as possible. Let us help you take this important step with confidence and peace of mind.

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