A guide to getting settled

I AM writing to tell you and your readers about a new, free advice guide from Independent Age, the older people’s charity, called Settling into a care home, which aims to make the transition of moving into a care home easier.

There are currently more than 400,000 people living in care homes in the UK, but many new residents don’t know what to expect when they get there, or how to plan ahead for their move.

Moving to a care home can be a very stressful time for older people and their families. It’s a big change and it can take time to adjust to the new surroundings.

The guide aims to make this process smoother and less stressful.

Settling into a care home, which was written with advice from care home staff, residents and family members, offers advice on planning ahead to help the move go smoothly.

The guide includes topics such as thinking about what to take, questions to ask before you get there, and tips on what to expect when you arrive, as well as advice for friends and family about helping someone else settle into a care home.

Independent Age has also launched a free, online checklist for moving home to accompany the new guide, which can be accessed via: independentage.org/movinghome-checklist.

Settling into a care home is free to order and download from independentage.org/settling-into-acare-home or can be ordered for free by calling 0800 319 6789. Those who need additional support or advice can call the charity’s Helpline on 0800 319 6789 to arrange to speak to an adviser. Lucy Harmer Director of Services at Independent Age