Many grown-up children would prefer to keep their parents at home with them for as long as they can. However, the reality is that, in many cases, it is not possible to do this. This might be due to physical or neurological health issues, such as Alzheimer’s or a stroke, or just the rising demands of their care on the caregiver’s health. So, if it has been determined that your parents need to relocate to a residential setting, what can you expect?
This article will guide you through the process and will help you to prepare for this large life change.
Emotions
Irrespective of whether you are helping your elderly parent to move into a state-run residential home, or five-star residential care like Signature at Reigate Grange, you can expect a wide range of emotions. It is perfectly normal to feel sad at this transition, even though this change is the best option for your parent going forward. Remember that these residential settings are run by highly trained teams, and with the other residents, your parent won’t be lonely and will get all the help that they need to maintain their independence. If you are not coping with difficult emotions, then it can be worth seeking help from a professional.
Phone Calls
The residential setting will have their records, they will have their care plan, but they will still likely have a few questions about your parent.
So, for the first few weeks after the move, you can expect there to be a lot of phone calls from the residential setting, checking in about your parents’ favourite things or updating you on their health. Remember, these teams want to help your parent settle in and will aim to ensure that they can assist in the process in any way they can.
Visits
It is advised that when your parent moves into a residential home, you visit them at least once a week. You can even call ahead to book in with the staff and with your parent to make sure that your visit doesn’t clash with any outings they may have booked or any scheduled activities.
You will need to maintain these visits as they will help your parent to feel in touch with the rest of the family and the outside world. It will also help you to see how they are managing in their new environment.
Improvements
It takes, on average, three months for someone to settle into a new home. When your parent moves into a residential setting, it may take slightly longer. At around the four-month mark, you will likely start to see improvements in their mood, their medical conditions, and their general functioning. This is always great for grown-up children to see and will help you to feel positive about them relocating.
Settling Lastly, once your parent has settled into their new home, they may begin to engage in the rather odd behaviours that people in residential homes are sometimes known for. Rather than get upset, try to see it as them finally feeling safe in their new location. Of course, if they go too far with their behaviours, or the medical team are worried that it may point to an underlying medical issue, then this will need to be explored.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
