Moving in

Before you move inShow all

There are a number of things that you should think about doing before your move.

Doctor, dentist and optician Hide

When you move into the home you’re free to keep your own dentist, doctor and optician. You should speak to each of them before you move to ensure they’re happy with this arrangement. The home should also be able to arrange appointments for you and some Bupa care homes are regularly visited by a local GP.

Insurance Hide

Bupa Care Homes does not insure personal belongings and you need to arrange your own insurance. We do not recommend bringing valuable items into the home but in some circumstances small items can be deposited in the home’s safe.

Lasting Power of Attorney Hide

We strongly recommend that you appoint a Lasting Power of Attorney. This enables a trusted relative or friend to manage your finances and affairs if you are unable to do so. You should seek advice from a solicitor or the Office of the Public Guardian.

Telling people that you’re moving Hide

You should make people aware that you’re moving to a care home. They could include friends and family, your dentist and doctor, any utility companies, as well as your bank, pension provider and the council.

Personal belongingsShow all

You’re encouraged to bring some of your own belongings into the home to help you feel more comfortable and these will be recorded on your first day.

Clothing Hide

Each home has a laundry service and clothes should be labelled before coming into the home. Take care to check washing instructions as the minimum washing temperature is 40 degrees centigrade. Most homes cannot hand wash items so it is better for relatives or friends to launder any delicate items for you.

Pets Hide

Some Bupa care homes welcome you to bring small pets but this needs to be checked with the home manager first. You should also check whether relatives or friends are able to bring pets when they visit you, and what areas of the home they can enter.

Furniture Hide

You are welcome to bring small items of furniture into the home. The amount permitted is limited for safety reasons so you should check with the home first. All furniture must also be fire retardant.

Residents are also encouraged to bring smaller items such as favourite ornaments, pictures and books to personalise their rooms.

Electrical appliances Hide

All electrical applicances must go through a portable appliance testing (PAT) process which is carried out by the home free of charge. For safety reasons you cannot bring electrical fires or fan heaters into the home.

If you bring your own television into the home, you will also need to bring along a valid television license.

Mobility aids Hide

Some Primary Care Trusts supply wheelchairs to residents in our home who require them. Residents that already have their own wheelchair are welcome to bring them. Mobile scooters are not permitted inside the homes but can be used in the grounds. Speak to the home manager about how your scooter will be stored.

Moving inShow all

What to bring Hide

While the home will provide bed linen and towels, there are a number of items you should bring with you.

As a minimum, we recommend you bring the following for your comfort:

• day clothes
• two or three sets of night clothes
• dressing gown
• slippers
• supply of toiletries
• socks or stockings
• underwear
• coat or jacket
• medication
• personal belongings

On arrival Hide

When you arrive at the home you will be offered refreshments and the opportunity to spend some quiet time to help you adjust. You can choose to do this in your bedroom or in one of the home’s dining rooms or lounges, whichever you prefer.

You will be introduced to your key carer who, when you’re ready, will introduce you to some of the other residents and other members of staff.

You’ll be given a guided tour and your key carer will provide you with detailed general information about the home such as meal times and activities.

Of course, your family or friends can be with you during this time, and can help you unpack if you wish. In most cases your key carer will spend time with you when your family or friends leave, unless you prefer to be alone.

Night staff at the home will be made aware of your arrival and of your usual bedtime and waking routines. You will be shown how to use the call system, should you need to contact someone during the night, or at any other time.

Your personal care plan Hide

Shortly after your arrival we will discuss you personal care plan which will be developed to specifically address any needs you may have. These plans will help the staff to take care of you and support you, by recognising your individual preferences and wishes.

You will be asked lots of questions to build your personal care plan, such as:

• personal routines
• likes and dislikes
• activities, interests and hobbies
• how you would like to be helped by the staff on a day-to-day basis
• what you like to eat and drink
• your usual sleeping pattern

With your agreement, relatives and friends are encouraged to be involved in helping complete your personal care plan.

Relatives and friends Hide

We know how important it is to keep in touch with relatives and friends, and they are welcome to visit or telephone at any time.

More information on how we help friends and relatives to stay in touch