9 Tips to Make Moving into a Nursing Home Easier

1. Understand Your Care Options

Moving into a nursing home is a big decision, and taking the time to explore your options can make all the difference. Whether you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, understanding the different types of support available will help you make the right choice with confidence.

There are several types of care homes, each offering different levels of support. Residential care homes provide help with daily activities like washing, dressing, and meals. These homes emphasise personal care, ensuring that residents receive personalised support tailored to their individual needs. Nursing homes have qualified nurses on hand 24/7 for those with more complex health needs. If you or your loved one is living with dementia, a specialist dementia care home may offer tailored support in a safe and reassuring environment.

2. Find the Right Care Home

Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s worth taking the time to find a home that offers the right balance of care, comfort and community. A good place to start is by asking for recommendations. Family, friends and healthcare professionals, like your GP or social worker, may be able to suggest care homes with a strong reputation. You can also find reviews online from residents and their families, which can give you a real insight into what life is like in a particular home.

Once you’ve got a shortlist, it’s a good idea to contact the homes directly. Ask about availability, the type of care they provide and what daily life is like for residents. Care homes not only provide accommodation but also assist with daily needs, ensuring a supportive environment. Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions – a good care home will be happy to answer them.

Visiting the home in person is essential. It’s the best way to get a feel for the atmosphere, meet the staff and see how they interact with residents. Pay attention to details like cleanliness, the quality of the food and whether residents seem happy and engaged. It’s also important to check the home’s inspection report and rating. Care Inspectorate reports can tell you whether a home meets high standards of care and where improvements may be needed.

3. Plan for Care Home Costs

Care home fees vary depending on the level of care needed, the location and the type of home. Nursing homes, which provide round-the-clock medical care, tend to cost more than residential care homes. Some homes also offer additional services, like physiotherapy or specialist dementia care, which may come at an extra cost.

If you or your loved one needs financial help, it’s worth looking into local authority funding. The council can carry out a financial assessment to see if they’ll contribute to care costs. In some cases, benefits like Attendance Allowance or Pension Credit can also help. If you’re unsure what support you’re entitled to, speaking to a social worker or financial adviser can be a good first step.

For those who are self-funding, it’s important to plan ahead. Savings, pensions, property and investments may all play a part in covering care fees. Seeking advice from a financial expert who specialises in later-life care can help you explore options like deferred payment schemes or equity release.

4. Plan for Your Move

Start by letting the right people know that you’re moving into a care home. Make sure to notify essential organisations and individuals about your new address. Inform family and friends, as well as important organisations like the GP, bank, utility providers and local council. It is crucial to inform all relevant people to ensure seamless communication and service after your move. Emphasise the importance of informing utility companies to avoid any service disruptions. Packing can feel overwhelming, but bringing familiar items can make a big difference. Most care homes provide furniture, but personal touches like photographs, bedding, or a favourite chair can help create a homely feel. Be sure to pack essential items too, including clothing, toiletries and any medications. If you’re unsure what to bring, the care home staff will be happy to advise you.

Arranging transport in advance will help the move go smoothly. Whether a family member is helping or a specialist transport service is needed, planning ahead will reduce stress on the day. Some care homes also offer support with the moving process, so it’s worth asking what’s available. Finally, take time to say goodbye to your current home and the people around you. Moving can bring up a lot of emotions, but talking through any worries and planning regular visits with loved ones can make the transition feel easier.

5. Settle into Your New Home

The first few days in a care home can feel like a big adjustment, but bringing personal items can make a real difference. Familiar things like family photos, a favourite blanket or even a small piece of furniture can help create a comforting and homely space. You can even bring even your own bed to make the transition feel less daunting. Many care homes encourage residents to personalise their rooms, so don’t be afraid to add those special touches.

Take time to get to know the staff and other residents. Moving into a care home means joining a new community, and introducing yourself to people can help you feel more at ease. Care staff are there to help and will want to make sure you feel comfortable, so let them know if you need anything or have any concerns.

It’s also helpful to learn about the daily routine. Understanding meal times, activities and visiting hours can help you feel more settled. Some care homes offer buddy systems, where new residents are paired with someone who’s been there a while. If this is an option, it can be a great way to make new connections.

Exploring the layout and amenities of the home is also a good idea. Knowing where the lounge areas, garden and dining room are can help you feel more independent and confident in your new surroundings. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Moving somewhere new can take time to adjust to, and it’s completely normal to have questions. Care home staff understand this and will be more than happy to support you as you settle in.

6. Ensure You Receive the Best Care

Start by understanding your care plan. Every resident has a personalised plan that outlines their needs, preferences and any medical conditions. If anything doesn’t feel right or you’d like changes, speak to the care staff—they’re there to support you. Let staff know what’s important to you, whether it’s your preferred bedtime, favourite meals or how you like your tea. Small details can make a big difference to feeling at home. If you ever feel unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Building positive relationships with staff and other residents can also help you settle in. Care homes are communities, and getting to know the people around you can make daily life more enjoyable. Taking part in activities or simply having a friendly chat over a cup of tea can help you feel more connected. Most care homes offer a range of social activities, from exercise classes to arts and crafts. Even if you’re not sure at first, getting involved in something new can be a great way to stay engaged and make new friends.

7. Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Moving into a care home doesn’t mean losing your independence or control over your life. You still have the right to make choices, be treated with dignity and receive the best possible care. Understanding your rights—and your responsibilities—can help you feel more confident in your new home.

As a care home resident, you have the right to privacy, dignity and respect. This means being able to make personal choices about your daily routine, meals and activities. You also have the right to expect safe, high-quality care that meets your needs. If you ever feel these rights aren’t being respected, don’t hesitate to raise your concerns with staff or a trusted family member.

Many care homes encourage residents to be involved in decisions about the home, whether that’s through resident meetings or feedback sessions. Taking part in these discussions can be a great way to make sure your voice is heard and to help shape the care home community.

8. Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Moving into a care home doesn’t mean losing touch with family and friends. Staying connected with the people you love is an important part of feeling happy and settled in your new home.

Regular visits can make a big difference. Whether it’s a short chat over a cup of tea or a special family gathering, seeing familiar faces helps you feel supported and reassured. If your loved ones live far away, arranging phone calls, video chats or even letters can help you stay in touch. Many care homes now offer Wi-Fi and support with using technology, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed.

Getting involved in social activities is another great way to stay connected. Many care homes organise group events, from music sessions to day trips, giving you plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Even if you don’t feel like joining in straight away, it’s always worth giving it a try—you might enjoy it more than you expect! If you’d like to have a say in how the care home is run, you might be able to join a residents’ group. This can be a great way to share ideas, raise any concerns and help create a positive community for everyone.

9. Make Use of Support and Resources

There are many local organisations and charities that offer guidance on everything from care home funding to emotional support. It is also crucial to arrange extra support, such as professional carers or personal assistants, to help with specific tasks and maintain an individual's quality of life at home. Groups like Age UK and Dementia UK provide free advice, while advocacy services can help if you ever need someone to speak up on your behalf. Online guides and resources can also be helpful. From understanding your rights as a resident to tips on settling in, there’s plenty of information available to support you through the transition. If you prefer, care home staff or family members can help you find and access the information you need.

Moving to Dalgety Bay Care Home

Moving into a care home is a big step, but with the right preparation and support, it can be a positive and reassuring experience. Taking the time to choose the right home, understand your care options, and stay connected with loved ones will help you settle in comfortably and make the most of this new chapter.

At Dalgety Bay Care Home in Fife, we understand how important it is to feel safe, valued and at home. Our dedicated team is here to provide personalised care in a warm and welcoming environment, ensuring every resident feels supported and part of our community. If you’d like to learn more about life at Dalgety Bay Care Home, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today to arrange a visit or speak to our friendly team—we’re here to help every step of the way.