Moving into a Care Home Guide
Choosing a care home is a big decision. At Evermore Care Homes, we support you with guidance and reassurance, helping families understand their options and feel confident loved ones will receive compassionate, expert care in welcoming homes.
Step-by-Step advice
Moving into a care home is a big step for everyone involved – emotionally, practically and sometimes logistically. That is why we are here to support you with guidance to help make the transition as smooth and positive as possible. We understand that this move is more than just a change of address and we support every family and resident to make sure that their move to us smooth and positive.
Our step-by-step advice includes:
You may begin to notice your loved one is struggling more with everyday tasks such as managing meals, remembering medication or maintaining personal hygiene. Increased falls, loneliness or a recent hospital stay may also signal the need for more structured support. People living with Dementia may become unable to care for themselves at home or start to wonder.
It can be a sensitive subject to raise, so starting the conversation early and involving your loved one in the decision is key
Consider the type of care needed – a residential, a nursing home or a dementia care home, location, and environment.
When visiting, take note of how staff interact with residents, whether the home feels welcoming, and what activities are offered. Ask about the care home’s approach to person-centred care, visiting policies, menus and how they accommodate changing needs.
Packing essentials
- Include comfortable clothes, favourite toiletries, photos, keepsakes, books, and any small furniture items that you can bring to the care home
Practical Preparation
- Ensure documentation is in place (ID, medication records, legal documents such as a Power of Attorney if applicable).
Emotional Preparation
- Acknowledge feelings of anxiety or sometimes guilt and reassure your loved one that this move is about gaining support and community. Where possible, involve your loved one in decisions about what to bring and how their room will be set up.
The first days in a new home can be emotional, so we focus on warm welcomes and gentle introductions. Our care teams support each resident at their pace, helping them get to know staff, join in activities and personalise their space. Families are encouraged to visit, stay involved and share helpful insights about routines and preferences.
Within the first weeks, we carry out an in-depth assessment and adjust care plans accordingly. Our goal is to help residents feel safe,valued, and part of a community.
Understanding Care Options
When it comes to care, no two people have the same needs. That is why understanding the types of care available is so important. In the past, the term ‘nursing home’ or ‘nursing care’ has been used interchangeably with a care home. But not everyone who needs care, needs nursing care which is often more specialised and can be more expensive.
What residents and families say about our care homes
“[My mother] is enjoying her new home and the level of care is excellent. She has fairly high needs and the staff have adapted to her without any problem. ”
Son of a resident
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answered some of the most common questions families ask us when looking for a care home:
Yes, we actively encourage visits from family and friends.
Absolutely. Personal touches help residents feel at home. Residents bring favourite photos, bedding, keepsakes and small items of furniture or a chair.
Our trained care team supports with all aspects of medication, including safe storage, reminders, and administration – always according to individual care plans.
We regularly review each resident’s care plan and adapt support as needed. Families are informed and involved decisions about your loved one’s care and medical needs.
We know how important animal companions can be. While we can’t always accommodate pets long-term, we welcome visits from furry friends and offer pet therapy sessions.
Our chefs cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences, with delicious, freshly prepared meals that feel like home cooking.
We can welcome residents very quickly and understand that sometimes care is needed urgently. Our team can assess the care and medical needs quickly to facilitate a quick move to one of our care homes.
Speak to us about our care homes.
We are here to help you make the right decision with confidence. Whether you are looking for care now or planning for the future, our team is happy to answer your questions and talk through the options.
For Professionals
Need to make a referral or explore options for someone in your care? Reach out to our team and we will be happy to assist with next steps, assessments, or further information.
