Moving and Settling Into Our Homes
Make the move easier through good planning and preparation.
Important Admission Documents:
- Preadmission Brochure
- Resident Accommodation Agreement
- Resident and Family Guide
Tips for planning, relocating and settling in
Moving into a long-term care home happens in three stages:
Preparing for the move
Good planning and preparation makes moving much easier for soon-to-be residents and their loved ones.
Tips for soon-to-be residents
- Openly discuss the move with your family members.
- Confirm your transportation and who’ll be coming with you on your moving day.
Tips for family and friends
- Talk openly about your loved one’s upcoming move.
- Reassure your loved one that your support, love and understanding will always be there.
- Focus on the positive; emphasize the programs and activities at the centre.
- Remind your loved one that health and independence might even improve because of the care provided.
- Listen to your loved one’s concerns and acknowledge feelings of fear, sadness and anger. Always offer your comfort.
Moving in
When you first arrive
The admission process from start to finish will take about four hours.
When you and your family first arrive:
- A Social Worker will meet you at reception and take you to your room.
- You’ll meet the Nurse in Charge, who’ll help you complete your medical and consent forms. (This should take about an hour.)
On your first day
On your first day at the centre you and your family will:
On the first day friends and family are welcome to join us for a complimentary lunch.
- Meet other residents.
- Meet members of your Care Team.
- Unpack your personal items and set up your room.
- Arrange for phone, cable and Internet service. (If you wish, you can arrange this for another time.)
- Meet with a dietary supervisor to discuss your dietary needs and be assigned a dining table.
- Review safety and security features in the home.
Our staff will:
- Help with moving and setting up your furniture.
- Collect your clothing items to be labelled at no extra cost.
- Check and hook up your electrical items.
Settling in
Adjusting to a new environment takes time. For some new residents it takes six weeks; for others, six months.
Most residents adjust successfully. They enjoy new friendships, participate in programs and events and get involved in the life of the centre.
Families and friends play an important role in helping new residents settle in.
Help your loved one adjust to living at the centre by:
- Participating in care conferences.
- Being active in your loved one’s life and spending time together as often as you can.
- Encouraging your loved one to make friends and get involved in activities.
- Joining in the centre’s social and recreational activities.
- Communicating openly with our staff about the care we provide. A Social Worker can offer support and resources.
- Sharing experiences and talking to other family members who have a loved one in a long-term care home.
- Getting involved in the centre’s Family Council.
