How to make the transition from Home Care to Retirement Home smooth and stress-free

Moving from home care to a retirement home can present challenges to the elderly and their families, but proper research and support can make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.  

There are pros and cons when looking for the right retirement home that meets the individual’s needs and preferences. Here are some tips to consider before transitioning to a retirement home from home care:   

1. Research your options
2. Involve the individual in the decision-making process
3. Tour the facility
4. Understand the costs and financing options
5. Prepare for the move
6. Help the individual adjust   

Research your options

When choosing an aged care home, it is vital to evaluate the options available.  

As noted in My Aged Care, you should look at the home’s location, the cost of care, the services and amenities offered and the facility’s reputation. It is also important to remember that the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency regulates all aged care homes to ensure they meet strict quality standards.  

Some top facility providers are Japara Healthcare, Estia Health, Regis Aged Care, Anglicare and more. Read here: 10 Biggest Aged Care Providers in Australia

Involve the individual in the decision-making process

Research published in BMC Geriatrics found that older people and their families valued the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making process and felt it was important for older people to have a say in their care.  

They also believed that their opinions and preferences should be considered when decisions were made about their care.  

This will help ensure they feel involved and respected and can help ease the transition.  

Tour the facility

It’s important to tour several facilities and ask questions to get a better understanding of the options available.  

Take note of the cleanliness, safety, and overall atmosphere. Observe the interaction between staff and residents and ask about staff training and qualifications.  

Additionally, consider the availability of recreational activities, medical care and support services such as meal delivery and transportation.  

Finally, reviewing the facility’s policies, including costs and payment options, is recommended before making a decision. Then, feel free to ask for clarification or additional information if needed.  

Understand the costs and financing options

Retirement homes in Australia can be expensive, so it is essential to understand the costs and financing options available.  

This includes government subsidies, grants, and private payment options such as a refundable deposit or a daily fee. In addition, resources such as My Aged Care and the Department of Health can provide information on this. You can also consider working with an Aged Care Financial Adviser for personalised guidance and advice.  

Prepare for the move

Once you have chosen a retirement home, it is crucial to plan the move carefully.   

Department of Health said there are several things to consider to help make the transition as smooth as possible. This includes organising your belongings, arranging transportation, and ensuring you have all the necessary medical and legal documents.  

Help the individual adjust

Transitioning to a retirement home can be difficult, so it is essential to provide support and encouragement as the individual adjusts to their new environment.  

The Aged Care Guide mentioned ways to help them by encouraging the person to get involved in activities and social events, visiting them regularly and offering emotional support. These simple steps can help them feel more comfortable and adjust to their new surroundings.  

Transitioning from home care to a retirement home can be a challenging decision. Still, it also provides seniors with the professional care and support they need to maintain their health and well-being.  

Careful research and planning can help find a retirement home that meets the individual’s needs and preferences, ensuring they have the best quality of life possible.

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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