Advice for families

Helping someone settle into residential care.

Moving into a care home is a significant change. Familiar belongings, routines and regular communication can help the new environment begin to feel more recognisable.

Settling in

Familiarity matters.

Bring photographs, suitable personal items and information about routines, interests and preferences. Give the team time to learn what reassures the person and what makes a day feel normal.

Families should also keep communication open with the home, especially during the first few weeks when small observations can be useful.

Useful checklist

Questions worth asking

  • Which belongings would make the room feel familiar?
  • What is the person’s normal daily routine?
  • What foods, music or activities do they enjoy?
  • Who are the important people in their life?
  • What usually helps when they feel unsettled?