Checklist when Moving to a Elderly Care Home

Television Licence

If your relative takes their own television into the home, they will be required to buy their own television licence unless they are over the age of 75 years. However, their current licence is transferable when they move to another home. Please verify this with the matron or the manager.

Car Insurance

Make sure your car insurance covers any passengers from the home you choose to take on an outing.

Special Occasions

Don't forget to inform the matron in writing if you intend to take your relative out or prepare something special for their birthday or Christmas. Ensure you have their permission before you finalise your plans.

Reading Matter

If there are no library services within the home, go to your local library and borrow books or tapes for your relative. The borrower (yourself) will be responsible for the borrowed book or tapes and for them being returned on time in good condition.

Check Clothing

Check your relative's clothing at the beginning of each season to ensure they have a suitable range of clothing to match the weather. A shawl is useful for chilly evenings. Gloves, scarves, a hat and warm shoes will be needed for outings during winter weather.

Calendar

Buy a large calendar to hang on the wall. Note special events, birthdays, etc on the appropriate date as a reminder. Help them buy and write cards and undertake to post them.

Post

Ask the matron what the postal arrangements are. Most homes have a letter box for the residents' outgoing mail, it will then be taken by a member of staff and posted.

Residents' mail is delivered to the home, provided it's addressed properly. It will then be delivered to the residents by a member of staff.

Phone Numbers

Give your relative an address book with the address and phone numbers of all her friends.

Lockable Safe, Cupboard or Drawer

Residents should be provided with a facility for keeping private papers, small amounts of money, etc either in a lockable top drawer or cupboard. If none are provided, ask the matron if they can get a lockable facility fitted.

If your relative has a lot of cash with them, it must be handed over to the matron or nurse in charge to be kept in the home's safe. Make sure you get a receipt for the cash.