Helping A Loved One Settle Into A Care Home 5 Practical Tips
When it is time for a loved one to move into a care home, it can bring a real mix of emotions and practical steps to manage. Many families feel anxiety and relief at the same time, as it is a big change for everyone involved. This transition can be challenging, with homesickness, changes to routine and feelings of confusion all quite common in the early days. Even though those first few weeks can take a while to settle, there are ways to ease this period and support both your loved one and your family. We have put together five practical tips to help you through this time.
Tip 1: Personalise Their Space With Familiar Items
Bringing personal items such as photos, cherished trinkets, favourite blankets or a small piece of furniture is a great first step, as it brings elements of someone’s old home into their new one. This familiarity in a new setting can help reduce stress and anxiety and encourage a stronger sense of home. Care home staff will often have coordinators who support new residents with the move and work with the space available to maximise it safely according to individual care needs, while making it as personal as possible without becoming cluttered. Labelling items, especially clothing, helps staff enormously and reduces confusion if another resident has something similar or even identical.
If you are unsure what to bring, it can help to speak to the care home in advance about any size or safety restrictions, so you can prioritise the most meaningful and practical belongings. Involving your loved one in choosing these items can also give them a sense of control at a time of big change and can spark positive conversations and memories as you prepare for the move.
Tip 2: Establish A Consistent Visiting Routine
This will not only be new for them, but new for you as well, and establishing a solid visiting routine will be really important. The first few weeks are a period of adjustment, so aim for short but frequent visits at the start, then, as they begin to settle, work with staff and the activities schedule to agree regular visiting times, with the option for ad hoc visits when possible. This helps create a predictable routine and ensures your loved one is getting the best out of life in the home. Many professionals recommend avoiding long, all‑day visits in the early weeks, as these can unintentionally trigger separation anxiety when it is time to leave.
Instead, try to vary what you do during your visits, share a meal, take your loved one out for afternoon tea, or spend quiet, quality time together in a cosy lounge. Ask them how often they would like to see you so you can manage their expectations as well as your own. You could also agree simple ways to stay in touch between visits, such as regular phone calls or video calls, so they know when to expect contact. Over time, this consistent but balanced approach can help your loved one feel secure and give you confidence that you are supporting them in a sustainable way.
Tip 3: Encourage Open Communication With Staff & Residents
Being upfront, open, and honest is the best approach when working with care home staff regarding your loved one’s preferences, routines, likes, dislikes, and any specific needs. While care home staff will conduct regular assessments to update care plans, providing as much detailed information as you can early on helps staff support your loved one’s comfort and wellbeing during the settling-in period. It's also important to encourage your loved one to feel comfortable talking openly with staff about any concerns or worries they may have.
Promoting social connections with other residents can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Encouraging friendships helps your loved one feel part of the community and less likely to experience distress or want to "go home." Attending group activities or informal social times can facilitate these bonds and create a more positive care experience. Additionally, family members can support this by sharing insights with staff about what motivates or comforts their loved one, making personalised care easier to provide. Building a trusting relationship between your loved one, family, and care staff is key to helping everyone navigate this adjustment smoothly and respectfully.
Tip 4: Involve Them In Activities & Daily Routines
Starting small can make getting involved in activities feel much less daunting. Gently encourage your loved one to try low‑pressure options, such as music sessions, chair‑based exercise, reminiscence groups or a short walk in the garden, to help build connections and a sense of purpose, even if they are hesitant at first. Looking through the care home’s activity calendar together can be a reassuring way to plan ahead and choose things that genuinely match their interests. Celebrate small wins, such as joining a group tea, attending a quiz or simply staying a little longer at an activity than last time, as these moments can really boost confidence. Remember that staff can tailor activities to different energy levels and health needs, so there should be something suitable for everyone. Over time, positive changes like a brighter mood, better sleep, a steadier appetite or a calmer demeanour can all be signs that your loved one is beginning to settle and feel more at home.
Tip 5: Provide Emotional Support & Monitor Progress
Emotional support is just as important as practical help during this transition. Offer reassurance by listening carefully, validating how your loved one feels and acknowledging that it is a big change, rather than arguing about the move or trying to “talk them out of” their emotions. If you find yourself feeling guilty, sad or exhausted, consider reaching out to friends, carers’ organisations or support groups so you have space to share your own feelings too. It can help to quietly track small signs of progress, such as your loved one mentioning a favourite staff member, talking about an activity they enjoyed or appearing more relaxed at the end of a visit. Keep in regular contact with the care team for updates and give at least four to eight weeks for a full adjustment, as everyone settles at a different pace. Remember to look after your own wellbeing with rest, healthy boundaries and enjoyable breaks, so you can continue to support your loved one with empathy and patience.
In Summary
Settling into a care home is a journey, and it is normal for it to take time before life there feels comfortable and familiar. With thoughtful planning, consistent reassurance and gentle encouragement to join in daily routines and activities, many people go on to experience greater security, social connection and a renewed sense of independence. Trusting the process, staying in close contact with staff and being kind to yourself can make a real difference to how smoothly this transition unfolds. If you are facing this change now, consider speaking to your chosen care home about the support they can offer and any settling‑in plans they have in place.
If you are preparing to support a loved one through their move to a care home, don’t face it alone.
Reach out today to speak with our caring team about how we personalise support and help make settling in as smooth and positive as possible. Contact us now to arrange a tour, ask questions or get expert advice tailored to your family’s needs. Your loved one’s new chapter can begin with confidence and care, let’s take that first step together.
