Moving your loved one into care: A guide to the first month in a care home

If you’re about to move your loved one into care, being fully prepared in the first month is the best way to make the process for everyone involved as easy and stress-free as possible. Or, perhaps your loved one has just moved into a care home, and you want to know how to best manage their first month in their new surroundings. 

Our compassionate care team at Lilian Faithfull have put this guide together to walk you through what to expect in the first month, and how to ease any stress both for yourself and for your friend or family member in care. 

Expect to experience a wave of emotions

The first few days are usually the most challenging. There may be feelings of loss, uncertainty, or anxiety – not just for your loved ones, but for you too. This tidal wave of emotions is completely normal, especially if you’ve been their carer.

Week 1: Settling in

At Lilian Faithfull, our team spends extra time with new residents in those early days, getting to know their routines, preferences, and personal stories. Families can help by sharing information with staff, like what time your loved one prefers to wake up, their favourite hobbies, or how they take their tea. These little things can make a huge difference.

During the first week, visiting your loved one in the care home fairly frequently is recommended. Seeing familiar faces can ease the transition and reassure your loved one that you’re still close by. Bring along personal items for their room – photos, a cosy blanket, a favourite book – to help make the space feel more like home.

Week 2: Getting to know residents and staff

By the second week, your loved one will start to recognise staff and fellow residents. At this point, your loved one is likely to start to join the wider care home community and form connections with other residents.

Your loved one will be encouraged to join in with the activities, even if it’s just one or two a week to start with. 

At Lilian Faithfull, we offer a wide variety of care home activities tailored to different interests and abilities. This can be anything from music therapy and gardening to gentle exercise, art sessions and days out. 

Family members can also begin to ease into a new routine of visits. Some families find it helpful to plan specific days and times to visit, which provides structure and something for your loved one to look forward to. Others may choose more spontaneous visits. There’s no right or wrong; ultimately it’s whatever works best for your family dynamic.

If you live far away and can’t make regular visits, our care team can support your loved one with video calls so you can stay connected from afar. We’ll organise a “keep in touch” plan when you move your loved one in. 

Week 3: Our care team get to know our new residents better

By week three, the care team will have a clearer picture of your loved one’s needs, preferences, and personality. Regular reviews and conversations with the care team are essential during week three onwards. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or raise any concerns. Your insights are valuable and help ensure the care provided is person-centred.

At Lilian Faithfull, we pride ourselves on transparency and communication. You’ll be kept informed about your loved one’s well-being and any changes in their care plan. Whether it’s dietary needs, medication updates, or mobility support, we work closely with families to ensure everything is aligned.

Week 4: Feeling at home

By the end of the first month, many residents begin to feel more at home. While some will adjust quickly, others may need a little more time, and that’s okay. Everyone’s journey is completely unique.

Families often find that their own emotions settle too around this time. Feelings of guilt or worry tend to ease as you see your loved one begin to settle in their new environment. Also, you’ll see that they’re potentially much safer in a supportive care environment than they were at home, so you will likely find peace in that. 

We always welcome feedback at this stage. Let us know what’s working well and if you have any questions or concerns. Our goal is not just to provide care, but to create a warm, welcoming community where your loved one can live with purpose and dignity.

Visiting your loved one with dementia

There’s no doubt that visits can be difficult if your loved one is living with dementia. Try to visit at the same time of day if possible (symptoms can be worse in the afternoon and early evening) and keep visits calm and positive. Bring along familiar items such as a photo album, a favourite piece of music, or a well-loved book. These can help spark recognition and conversation. If your loved one seems confused or struggles to remember you, don’t be disheartened. Focus on the connection in the moment rather than correcting or testing their memory.

A move can be disorientating for them, however you can find comfort in knowing they’re much safer in a specialist dementia care environment with carers who are highly trained to deal with dementia symptoms. 

How Lilian Faithfull Care can support you and your loved one

We’re here to support both residents and their families, every step of the way. If you have questions about moving a loved one into care, or would like to speak with one of our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help make this next chapter as reassuring and positive as possible.