Planning your care home move

There’s a lot to think about when moving into a care home – everything from letting the relevant people know, to moving furniture and belongings. We offer information to help you get organised and make your move as smooth as possible.

First of all, get in touch

We understand that your move into a care home might have to be done quickly without much time to plan. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you.

Talk through your move with the care home manager as soon as you can. They’ll be happy to answer any questions and will do everything they can to make your move an easy one.

You can use our online tool to find contact details for all our care homes.

Search for a care home

Feel at home

We want you to feel at home in your new care home, so you’re welcome to bring some of your own belongings.

Here are some ideas on the sort of things you may want to bring:

Personal possessions – favourite small items, such ornaments, pictures and books, are a perfect way to personalise your room.
Furniture – you can bring some small items of your own furniture with you - check with your care home manager first though. The number and size of items is limited for safety reasons and the furniture you bring with you must be fire retardant.
Clothing – each care home has a laundry service so please label your clothes before you arrive. The minimum washing temperature is 40 degrees centigrade, so it’s important to check washing instructions. Relatives or friends could help to launder any delicate items for you, such as hand-wash or dry clean only garments.
Electrical appliances – these will need to go through ‘portable appliance testing’ (PAT), which is done by the care home free of charge. All rooms are heated so you won’t need to bring electrical fires or fan heaters. You’re welcome to bring your own TV, if your room doesn’t already have one – but you will need to have a valid TV license if you do.
Mobility aids – if you have your own wheelchair you’re welcome to bring it with you. Some Primary Care Trusts supply wheelchairs to residents who need them. Mobile scooters aren’t practical to use inside our care homes but they can be used to enjoy the grounds. Speak to your care home manager about how your scooter can be stored.
Pets – some of our care homes allow small pets. Check with your home’s manager if you’d like to bring a pet with you .

Remember to pack…

Your Bupa care home will provide towels and bed linen for you. However, you may find it useful to also bring:

daytime clothing
two or three sets of night clothes
a dressing gown
slippers
a supply of toiletries
socks or stockings
underwear
a coat or jacket
medicines

And don’t forget…

Here are a few things you’ll need to think about before you move:

Doctor, dentist, optician – you may be able to still see your own doctor, dentist and optician after you move, but do speak to each of them beforehand to make sure they’re happy to visit you at your new home.
Insurance – insurance for personal belongings isn’t provided, so you’ll need to arrange your own cover if you want it. Most homes have a safe where small items can be kept, but we recommend that you don’t bring valuable items with you.
Lasting power of attorney – it’s strongly advisable for you to appoint a Lasting Power of Attorney. This allows a trusted relative or friend to manage your finances and affairs should you be unable to do so. For advice, a solicitor or the Office of the Public Guardian will be able to help.
Let people know – tell people that you’re moving into a care home; for example friends and family, utility companies, your bank, pension provider and the council.

Help and guidance

We’re experts and we’re here to help you.

For help and guidance on aged care advice, call our contact centre at any time (we’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) on 0800 011 44 04 or fill in our contact form.

Contact us – contact form