News from Primrose Lodge Care Home Bournemouth

How to Stay in Touch with Loved Ones in Care Homes: A Family Guide When a loved one moves into a care home, it’s natural to feel a mixture of emotions. You want them to feel safe, happy, and cared for, but you may also worry about how to keep your relationship strong when you’re not together every day. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we believe family connections are just as important as professional care. Staying in touch not only strengthens emotional bonds but can also boost a resident’s wellbeing, reduce feelings of loneliness, and create a sense of belonging. Here’s our guide to staying connected, whether you’re near or far. The Importance of Staying Connected Regular contact with loved ones in a care home can make a huge difference to their mental and emotional health. It helps them feel included in family life, stimulates conversation and memory, and reassures them they are loved and valued. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we see first-hand how a simple chat, a warm hug, or a shared laugh can brighten someone’s whole day. Visiting in Person Nothing can quite replace a face-to-face visit. Here are some ways to make each one meaningful: Bring something to share – family photos, a favourite snack, or a book you can read together. Plan an activity – a walk in the garden, listening to music, or looking through a photo album. Respect their routine – visits are most enjoyable when they fit into your loved one’s preferred time of day. Our team at Primrose Lodge Southbourne welcomes visits and can help you plan special moments that suit your loved one’s needs. Using Technology to Bridge the Gap When you can’t visit in person, technology can help you stay connected: Video calls – platforms like Zoom or FaceTime let you see each other’s smiles. Regular phone calls – a familiar voice can be incredibly comforting. Messaging apps – share photos, voice notes, or short updates. Our staff are always happy to assist residents with video calls or messaging, so even those less confident with technology can still feel included. Creative Communication Ideas Sometimes, the most meaningful messages come in simple, tangible forms: Letters and postcards – a handwritten note can be read over and over again. Scrapbooks or photo albums – these can be a wonderful way to share family milestones. Recorded messages – a short video or audio clip can be a treasured keepsake. These personal touches can bring great comfort and spark conversations during your next visit. Involving Loved Ones in Family Events Even if your loved one can’t be physically present, they can still be part of special occasions: Arrange a video link during a birthday party or holiday celebration. Bring the celebration to them with decorations, cake, or music. Plan visits around milestones so they can join in person when possible. We often help families celebrate birthdays and anniversaries here at Primrose Lodge Southbourne, making sure residents feel part of the joy. Building a Routine of Contact Setting a regular time for visits or calls can be reassuring for both you and your loved one. Predictability helps create anticipation and gives residents something to look forward to. Encourage different family members to get involved so your loved one enjoys a variety of conversations and company. How Primrose Lodge Southbourne Supports Family Connections We know how important it is for residents to feel connected to their loved ones. That’s why we: Offer flexible visiting arrangements. Provide assistance with video calls and other communication tools. Encourage families to join in activities and events. Support residents in creating memory keepsakes to share with relatives. Final Thoughts Whether it’s a weekly visit, a quick phone call, or a surprise postcard, every effort to stay in touch matters. Your presence – in person or virtually – can bring comfort, joy, and a sense of security. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we’re here to help you keep those connections strong. If you’d like to arrange a visit or find out more about our visiting arrangements, contact us today – we’d love to welcome you.

Outdoor Activities and Garden Use at Primrose Lodge Southbourne At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we understand the importance of fresh air, nature, and outdoor activities in enhancing the well-being of our residents. Our beautifully maintained gardens and outdoor spaces are not just scenic surroundings, they are an integral part of life here, offering residents a place to relax, socialise, and stay active. We warmly invite families and potential residents to visit us and explore the outdoor activities available. Experiencing these spaces in person provides a true sense of the vibrant community and therapeutic environment we’re proud to offer. The Role of Outdoor Activities in Well-Being Outdoor activities are proven to support both physical and mental health, especially for elderly individuals or those requiring additional care. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, our team encourages residents to embrace the many benefits of spending time outside: Physical health benefits: Gentle exercise helps maintain mobility, flexibility, and balance, while fresh air supports overall health. Mental well-being: Nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety while boosting mood and providing a sense of peace. Social connections: Outdoor activities create valuable moments of interaction, whether enjoying a group game, a chat over tea, or one-to-one time with our dedicated team. Our approach to long-term care in Southbourne and respite care in Southbourne includes creating opportunities for residents to stay engaged and connected to nature, each other, and the world around them. Garden Spaces Designed for Enjoyment and Relaxation The gardens at Primrose Lodge Southbourne have been thoughtfully designed to be both beautiful and accessible, offering a variety of spaces for relaxation, activities, and social events. A Welcoming and Accessible Layout Well-maintained paths perfect for leisurely strolls Comfortable seating areas for conversation or quiet reflection Lush greenery and seasonal flowers providing vibrant scenery Therapeutic Gardens for Peace and Well-Being Our gardens are more than just a view – they are a therapeutic space where residents can unwind, find comfort in nature, and enjoy peaceful surroundings. Gentle sensory experiences with fragrant herbs, flowers, and the sounds of birdsong Shaded areas for sunny days and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view Easy access for residents with mobility aids or wheelchairs Garden Activities Residents Love Residents at Primrose Lodge Southbourne enjoy a variety of outdoor activities designed to stimulate the senses and encourage social engagement: Gardening activities: Residents can help plant and tend to flowers, herbs, or vegetables with support from our staff. Outdoor seating: Many enjoy sitting with a book or chatting with friends and family. Alfresco dining: Meals, tea, or picnics in the garden create lovely moments, especially during warmer months. Discover more about how we combine outdoor activities and daily life on our Activities & Dining page. Outdoor Activities Beyond Gardening Our outdoor programme offers more than just gardening. We ensure there are activities for everyone to enjoy, no matter their interests or abilities: Walking groups: Gentle guided walks around the grounds help residents stay active and connected to nature. Social games: Outdoor events and nature-inspired arts and crafts to encourage fun and interaction. Seasonal events: From garden parties to themed celebrations, we regularly host events that bring joy and variety to the outdoor experience. These activities help foster friendships and create lasting memories in a supportive, caring environment. The Lasting Benefits of Outdoor Activities Participating in outdoor activities provides residents with many essential benefits that align with our holistic approach to care: Maintaining cognitive function: Nature-based activities stimulate the mind and memory. Building social connections: Shared experiences reduce isolation and promote a sense of belonging. Boosting mood and happiness: Sunshine, fresh air, and companionship are powerful tools for well-being. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we are committed to offering opportunities that help residents live fulfilling, joyful lives. You can meet the passionate people who make this possible on our Meet the Team page. Visit Us to See Our Garden and Activities Firsthand There’s nothing quite like experiencing Primrose Lodge Southbourne in person. We warmly welcome families to visit and see our beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces for themselves. Book a personalised tour to explore our gardens and learn about our activities See how we integrate outdoor activities into our care approach Get a feel for our warm, welcoming atmosphere Find out more or arrange your visit by contacting us through our About Us page or exploring our comfortable Rooms & Facilities. Outdoor activities and garden spaces are at the heart of life at Primrose Lodge Southbourne. From gentle gardening and walks to social events and alfresco dining, our residents enjoy a range of activities that support their well-being, happiness, and independence. We would love to show you how our outdoor spaces make a difference. Get in touch today to learn more or arrange a visit. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

The Importance of Tailored Care Plans at Primrose Lodge Your loved ones’ care needs are different to everyone else’s. Whether they have a medical condition or simply need assistance with daily activities, a tailored care plan ensures they get the exact care they need. But just because your loved one needs care doesn’t mean they have to lose their independence. So, a bespoke care plan also makes sure that your loved one only gets the assistance they need, encouraging them to stay as independent as possible in other areas. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we are passionate about helping your loved one stay as independent as possible through the care we provide. This means creating custom care plans is at the heart of our service. In this blog, we share why they are so important and how we create them. Why Tailored Care Plans Matter There is plenty of evidence within our care home and the wider care sector that personalised care plans lead to better health, comfort and overall quality of life. Your loved one will have personal preferences based on their life experiences and current conditions. This is why a bespoke care plan is important because it will reflect this. Benefits of bespoke care plans include: Better health care – specific requirements are met, and changes in needs are detected early. Enhanced comfort – reduced stress as residents are confident that their care is tailored to them. Encourages independence – plans ensure we only provide the care they need, not overstepping where they are able to do things themselves so they remain independent. Flexibility – they can be adapted to changing needs and allow a mix of therapies and support to be implemented. Clear and easy communication – they are an easy way to make sure all staff know what care to provide and of any changes. Our care plans are far from set in stone, as we know care needs change. So, we make sure that we regularly review your loved one’s care plan as a team to implement any changes. You are always a key part of this review, as we want you to be involved with your loved ones’ care. This can give you confidence that they are receiving quality care in the way they want. How Primrose Lodge Creates Personalised Care Plans We create an initial care plan during the admissions process so we have one in place when your loved one moves in. The process follows the same format for each resident to ensure we create a thorough plan. Assessment – we will conduct an assessment of your loved ones’ needs. Family consultations – we will chat with you and other family members to learn more about the care they currently receive and to discover their life story and experiences. Medical consultations – we will reach out to medical professionals supporting your loved one to understand their role and ensure continuity of care. Care plan write-up – we will write up the care plan using all the information we have and review it with you. Share it with staff – when you are happy with the plan, we will share it with our staff, ready for when your loved one moves in with us. Bespoke Care Plans For All Services Whether your loved one is staying with us for long-term care or a short period of respite care, they will receive a tailored care plan. It doesn’t matter the length of time because your loved ones’ needs will never be the same as our other residents. If you are entrusting us with your loved one’s care for even a short period, we want to provide the best possible care and can only achieve this with a bespoke plan. Care Plans and Our Wider Lifestyle Primrose Lodge Southbourne is more than care. We create a home from home for your loved one and aim to enrich their life through a fun and engaging lifestyle. Our care plans assist with this as they enable us to create activities tailored to your loved one’s abilities and interests. Plus, the care plan will detail any dietary requirements and preferences, which our in-house kitchen team can use to create menus your loved one will devour. Discuss Your Loved One’s Care Plan and Needs With Us At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, custom care plans are a vital part of our services as they ensure we provide the right level of care your loved one needs while encouraging them to stay as independent as possible. Bespoke care plans also give you the confidence that your loved one is receiving the exact care they need, in the way they like it, so you can rest easy when at home. Whether you are looking for long-term or respite care, we recommend you visit our care home to see current care plans in action and to chat with our staff about how we create and implement care plans. This is also a great opportunity for you to see the rooms and facilities at our care home and experience the lifestyle we create. Call us on 01202 429514 or complete our online contact form to arrange a visit or ask us any questions about the importance of bespoke care plans.

What Needs to Be Done Before Moving Into a Care Home Moving into a care home can be a significant life change for both residents and their families. While the process may feel overwhelming at first, proper preparation can make it much smoother and more reassuring. But where do you begin, and what really needs doing before the move? At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we understand how important it is to create a seamless transition, whether joining us for long-term care or a short-term stint of respite care. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you plan the move effectively and with confidence. Choose the Right Care Home Finding the right care home in Southbourne or Bournemouth is an essential first step. A good care home should meet the unique needs of your loved one while providing a warm, welcoming environment. When choosing a care home: Visit in person: Take a tour to get a sense of the atmosphere and meet the staff. Evaluate facilities: Assess whether the care home provides the services and amenities you or your loved one needs. Consider location: Being close to family and friends can make visits easier and more frequent. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we pride ourselves on offering personalised care plans, excellent facilities, and a homely environment. Create a Personalised Moving Plan Early planning can reduce stress for everyone involved. Having a clear timeline and checklist can make the transition smoother. Your Moving Checklist: Discuss the move with your loved one so they know what to expect. Notify family members and involve them in the decision-making process. Arrange a visit to the care home to allow your loved one to familiarise themselves with the new environment. Confirm your moving date with the care home to ensure a seamless process. If you need assistance with planning your move, our friendly team is always here to help. Contact us at Primrose Lodge Southbourne for personalised advice. Organise Personal Belongings Knowing what to pack is crucial to ensure a comfortable move. The goal is to create a space that feels like home while avoiding unnecessary clutter. What to Pack: Essential documents: Include medical records, identification, and any care plans. Clothes and toiletries: Pack enough to cover day-to-day needs, including comfortable outfits and any specialist clothing. Personal items: Bring photos, keepsakes, and favourite possessions to personalise the room. If you’re unsure about what to bring, the staff at Primrose Lodge Southbourne can provide advice on recommended belongings and any restrictions. Handle Medical and Administrative Tasks To ensure a smooth transition, it’s important to complete all necessary medical and administrative tasks before the move. Medical preparation: Notify the GP about the move and ensure prescriptions are transferred to the care home. Financial and legal documents: Organise Power of Attorney, payment plans, and any other paperwork needed for the care home. Taking these steps ahead of time ensures that everything is in place, so you can focus on settling in. Communicate With the Care Home Team Building a strong relationship with the care home staff is key to a successful move. Open communication can help you understand the process and feel more confident about the transition. Questions to Ask: What happens on moving day? How will individual needs be addressed? How can families stay involved in the resident’s care? Our compassionate team at Primrose Lodge Southbourne is here to guide you every step of the way. Prepare Emotionally for the Move Adjusting to life in a care home can take time for both residents and families. Preparing emotionally can ease the transition and help everyone feel more at ease. Suggestions for a Smoother Adjustment: Plan regular visits from family and friends to maintain connections. Encourage participation in social activities at the care home. Keep communication open and positive throughout the process. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we foster a supportive and friendly atmosphere to help residents feel at home from the very beginning. We’re Here to Help Moving into a care home is a big decision, but with the right preparation, it can be a positive step towards comfort and peace of mind. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we’re dedicated to making this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you’d like more advice or wish to arrange a visit, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us on 01202 429514. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Why Visiting a Care Home Before Moving In Is Essential Choosing the right care home is a significant decision, whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one. It’s a choice that shapes quality of life, well-being, and peace of mind. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we believe that visiting a care home before moving in is not just beneficial – it’s vital. Here, we’ll explore why visiting is so important and what to look for during your visit. Benefits of Visiting a Care Home Before Moving In See the Environment Firsthand Photographs and brochures are useful, but they can’t capture the full picture. A visit allows you to see the cleanliness, layout, and safety of the care home in person. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, you’ll notice our welcoming communal spaces, peaceful surroundings, and attention to detail. Meet the Team and Residents Interacting with the care team and residents provides invaluable insight into the care home’s atmosphere. Meeting our friendly and professional staff ensures you feel confident about the quality of care provided. Learn more about our compassionate team on our Meet the Team page. Evaluate Facilities and Services From dining options to activity schedules, visiting a care home helps you evaluate the facilities on offer. Whether you’re considering long-term care or respite care, you’ll be able to see how we cater to diverse needs. Experience the Atmosphere Care homes are more than buildings; they are communities. A visit lets you sense whether the environment feels warm, homely, and suited to your preferences. Trust your instincts – they matter. Ask Questions in Person During your visit, you can ask questions directly. For example, what’s the difference between a care home and a nursing home? You’ll find helpful answers in our detailed guide here. What to Look for During a Visit When visiting a care home, take your time and pay attention to these key areas: Cleanliness and Maintenance: Is the home well-kept and clean? Primrose Lodge Southbourne prides itself on maintaining high standards. Engagement and Activities: Are there opportunities for social interaction and meaningful activities? Look out for evidence of a vibrant social life. Personalised Care Options: Can care be tailored to individual needs? Learn about our bespoke care plans on the About Us page. Resident Happiness: Do residents appear content and engaged? Speaking with residents can provide helpful insight. Proximity: Is the home easily accessible for family and friends to visit? Our convenient Southbourne location ensures staying connected is simple. Why Visit Primrose Lodge Southbourne? At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we aim to provide more than just a care home – we create a community where every resident feels valued. Expert Care: Our dedicated team provides exceptional long-term care and flexible respite care options. Homely Atmosphere: Warmth, comfort, and familiarity are at the heart of our approach. Engaged Living: We offer a variety of activities and personalised care plans to support each resident’s needs and interests. Take the First Step – Book Your Visit Today Visiting a care home is an essential part of making an informed decision. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we welcome you to explore our home, meet our team, and experience our community firsthand. Ready to take the next step? Book your visit today to see why Primrose Lodge Southbourne is the ideal choice for you or your loved one. Simply contact us through our website or call to arrange your visit. Your journey to finding the perfect care home starts here. Let us help you make the best choice for your future.

What to Expect When Moving Into Our Care Home Moving into a care home for long-term care can feel overwhelming, especially when you and your loved one are unsure what is going to happen. You want to support your loved one through the process, but how can you do that if you aren’t sure what happens? Not only are there emotional concerns that you will all be facing, dealing with the sadness of your loved one leaving a family home, the anxiety of the unknown and worry about how everyone will cope, but there are also logistical concerns too: how much stuff can they take with them? If we take a piece of furniture, how will we get it to their room? How long can I spend helping them settle in? At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we want the transition into our care home to be as easy and stress-free as possible. We believe knowledge is power and apply this to everything we do, from our care and care plans to starting the transition and admission process. Our staff have years of experience helping loved ones move into care homes and combine their knowledge of the experience and their compassion to create a welcoming team and hassle-free process. In this blog, we share our admission and moving day process so you and your loved one can know exactly what to expect when transitioning into our care home. Care Needs Assessment Once you have expressed an interest in our care home and we have accepted your application, we will need to complete a care needs assessment. This will need to be completed before your loved one moves into our care home, as we use it to create a bespoke care plan. A care needs assessment is thorough and looks into a number of things: Current care needs – medical and personal care Life story Personal preferences Likes and dislikes Dietary requirements Mobility needs How do we complete a care needs assessment? Through many discussions! We will chat with a variety of people to get a comprehensive picture of all these elements. People we talk to include: You and your family Your loved one moving into the care Medical professionals Any carers currently providing care Friends Gathering all of this information will enable us to ensure we have all the equipment needed to provide the care needed. Plus, it allows us to put together a plan of care that takes into account what your loved one likes and dislikes. Understanding their life history helps us contextualise some of this information and facilitates us to offer activities and food that they might enjoy and that might help them settle in quicker. The care needs assessment will be arranged with you once we have confirmed your loved one’s place in our care home. We will book a date and time that is suitable for you and your loved one to complete this. Preparing for Moving Day With the information gathered, we will go away and start putting together your loved one’s bespoke care plan. In the meantime, we will set a move date with you, and you can start preparing for that. Preparations needed for this day will include: Cancelling bills and subscriptions Changing address information with banks, DVLA, electoral register and insurance companies Making sure medical records are up-to-date Ensuring wills and powers of attorney are in place You will also need to pack some of your loved one’s belongings. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to bring the entire contents of their home into their room. However, we do encourage all of our residents to personalise their rooms with photos, pictures, bedding and some furniture. So, you will need to discuss with your loved one what they would like to pack and bring with them. What to Expect on Moving Day Of course, the next step is moving into a care home. Typically, this process is similar across all care homes, as we all want to help your day go smoothly and facilitate a smooth transition into the new home. Our team will walk you and your loved one through moving in before the day arrives so you can discuss logistical details, such as moving furniture into the room, with them in those conversations. Don’t forget our care home staff are always at the end of the phone if you have a question or concern before moving day. The day will likely follow this structure: Arrival – a member of our friendly team will be waiting to greet you at our front door. Showing the room – they will show you and your loved one to their room, helping you carry a few bags or cases. Settling in – we will leave you and your loved one to unpack their belongings and start settling into their space. Take your time to put up photos, change bedding and put away clothes and toiletries. While you are doing this, staff might pop their heads in to welcome you and introduce themselves. Official introductions – once you are all unpacked, we will officially introduce you to our staff and key personnel who will be part of your loved ones’ day-to-day lives. Tour of our facilities – if you and your loved one are up for it, we will take you on a tour of the facilities (even if you visited our care home previously), where you can meet some of the residents and experience the lifestyle at our care home. Joining dining and activities – if there are activities that your loved one is interested in, we encourage them to participate in them. Of course, throughout the day, you will be offered refreshments and are welcome to join our residents in the dining room for lunch. You are always welcome to stay with your loved one throughout the day, helping them unpack and interact with other residents and staff members. We often see that having someone they know helps them feel a little more confident about the

Navigating Financial Planning for Long-Term Elderly Care Financial planning for long-term care is essential as it enables you and your loved one to choose a suitable care option that will be able to maintain and continue without the strain or stress on anyone’s finances. However, the planning process can be complicated as there are many parts to it. From understanding costs to researching grants and government funding to developing a sustainable financial plan, there are many elements, and on top of these is navigating your potential care options. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we have been helping families develop their unique financial care plans for years. Our staff are highly knowledgeable about the options available and ensure this is a topic covered at every viewing of our care home. In this blog, we aim to walk you through the intricacies of financial planning for elderly care, sharing what you need to consider and research and steps you will need to take. Understanding the Costs Of course, you can’t start planning without understanding what you are planning for, so you will need to begin by getting to know the various costs involved in long-term care. These will include the cost of care (at home or in a care home) and additional services. Additional costs you might encounter could include: Chiropody Hair care and grooming Laundry Supply of toiletries Outings and trips Costs will likely vary depending on the care options you are looking at. If looking at care homes, they will vary on the type and size of the room and facilities. Assessing Financial Resources Once you know roughly how much you might need, you will need to understand how much your loved one has. This will look at what assets your loved one has, such as savings, pensions and investments, as well as equity in property. You will need to calculate how much it all comes to so you can determine a realistic care budget. Government Assistance and Initiatives There are several care funds and government initiatives available in the UK that you can explore once you roughly know what your loved one has available. Researching these can get complicated because each initiative has a set of criteria your loved one needs to meet to qualify for it. They also include detailed applications that need time to be completed. Funding options include: NHS Funded Nursing Care NHS Continuing Care Local Authority Funding You can get help and guidance when exploring these options from a number of professionals. Financial planners Solicitors from The Society Of Later Life Age UK Local Authority Money Helper Immediate Needs Annuity & Private Insurance Options In the UK, there are a few insurance options that you can utilise to pay for care. Several insurance companies offer long-term care insurance, where you pay a monthly premium, and when you need care, the insurer pays a pre-agreed amount to cover parts or all of your care. This isn’t a popular solution as there are limited providers, and it isn’t guaranteed that the policy you have will cover all of your care needs. A more popular option is an Immediate Needs Annuity, also known as a Care Annuity. This is where you make an initial lump sum to a provider, and they make regular payments to help pay for your loved one’s care for the rest of their life. This means money coming in is guaranteed. However, the initial payment can be expensive. Family Contributions and Support You can also explore the potential of family members contributing or supporting the care payments. In many care homes, they will accept “top-ups”. This is when government initiative, local authority funding or other methods of paying don’t fully cover the care cost, so a family member pays the remaining amount. In order for these to be an option, you must have open and honest discussions about care costs and support. Legal Considerations While you are investigating your funding options and working out your loved one’s available assets, it is important to consider potential legal needs for the future. Two main legal documents worth putting in place include a Will and a Power Of Attorney. These ensure that financial responsibility is put into the hands of a trusted relative or friend. Planning for Future Changes Care needs will develop as your loved one ages; this could mean an increase in care costs. Therefore, it is important to consider holding back a set amount as an emergency fund or thinking about paying into private care policies to cover this situation should it arise. Working with Financial Professionals Navigating care costs and funding options for long-term care can feel overwhelming, especially when it is being done on top of researching care options for your loved one. It is always a great idea to seek professional help as they will be able to explain the intricacies of each option and your plan in a way that you will understand. Working with a professional will enable you to put together a tailored financial plan that suits the care needs of your loved one and utilises all the available funding options. If you are in the process of putting together a financial care plan and are a little stuck, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We can point you in the direction of many helpful resources and professionals. Call us on 01202 429514 or arrange a visit to our care home to discover our long-term care and facilities and speak to our knowledgeable team about your financial plan.

Navigating the Emotional Journey of Moving into a Care Home Moving into a care home is a significant transition for everyone involved and is filled with emotions, both positive and negative; anxiety, apprehension and nervousness are mixed with nostalgia, relief and hope. With such a range of emotions, navigating them can feel difficult and messy. However, understanding these feelings helps create a smooth transition process and a positive start to this new chapter. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, our care goes beyond physical well-being and into emotional and mental well-being. This is especially important when your loved one is transitioning into our care home, and our staff will work with you and your loved one to embrace and understand all the emotions. In this blog, we share how you can navigate the emotions as you build up to a move-in day to create a calm and positive atmosphere and experience. Understanding the Emotional Impact Deciding to move your loved one into a care home often triggers several emotions in both you and your loved one. It is important to understand these so you can handle them. Your loved one might experience: Fear of losing their independence and identity Sadness at leaving their home – often their family home where they raised their children Relief knowing they will receive constant care Excitement about being part of a community Meanwhile, you, as a family member, are likely to experience: Guilt over not being able to care for your loved one Worry about the quality of care they will receive Relief that they will be in a safe environment and receiving the care they need Preparation Strategies As with anything, preparation will make a big difference in managing these emotions and the transition. One of the best ways you and your loved one can be prepared for the experience is to maintain open communication. Make sure that you openly discuss the move with them and involve them in any decisions so that they feel respected and heard. Make sure they are also included in making any plans and be sure to address the practical aspects of moving as well as the emotional aspects. The more they know about the process, the better. Creating a New Home On the moving day, personalising your loved one’s new room and living space will set the transition off on the right foot. We encourage our new residents to bring personal and sentimental items from their homes into ours so that they can make their rooms familiar and comfortable. This could be family photos, paintings, bedding or furniture that holds great value to your loved one. Building New Relationships One of the many benefits of a care home is that your loved one will be surrounded by other residents and staff, meaning there is always an opportunity to socialise. However, when dealing with a major upheaval, such as moving home into a care home, meeting new people can feel intimidating. You should support your loved one through this by encouraging them to engage with their new community and interact with their new neighbours. Encourage them to participate in the activities on their first day in the home and eat lunch and dinner in the dining room with other residents. Helping them to start building new relationships and friendships will reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation they might be feeling throughout the transition. Adjustment Period Moving into a care home is no different to any other move, as your loved one will go through a period of adjustment. This will take time, and the best way you can support your loved one through this is to be patient. Adjusting to new surroundings takes individuals different amounts of time, so don’t worry if you think your loved one is getting used to their new home slower than someone else might. Help them through this process by being an ear to listen and provide emotional support and encouragement when they need it. Visit them regularly and keep in touch on the days you don’t visit to help maintain a sense of connection and support. Maintaining Connections One of the biggest fears your loved one might face is the thought of being forgotten or left behind. Maintaining relationships and communication is key to dispelling that fear when they move into the care home. Utilise the available modern technology; show your face to your loved one on video calls and message regularly. Staff are always on hand to help your loved one use technology to catch up with you. Don’t forget to bring your family to visit regularly and participate in care home activities with your loved one to continue making shared memories. Professional Support Sometimes, professional support might be required to help you and your loved one get through this transition. Care homes will often have counsellors available as part of their services or will be able to recommend and arrange for mental health professionals to visit the care home to help. Seeking such support is a positive step towards managing emotional challenges. Emotional Support At Primrose Lodge Care Home At Primrose Lodge, we understand that moving into a care home can be emotional. However, we always aim to make it a positive experience. The move opens doors to new friendships, belonging to a community and trying new activities and hobbies while receiving quality care and support that doesn’t stifle independence. With the right preparation, this transition can be a step towards an enriching and comfortable new phase in life. If you or your loved one is worried about the transition process and navigating the emotions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff. We are always happy to work with you to understand and deal with any emotions felt by you or your loved one. By collaborating and keeping communication open, we can make the move to our care home smooth and positive. Call us on 01202 429514 or complete our online contact form to discuss how we

9 Tips for a Smooth Transition When Moving Into a Care Home While moving into a care home can feel daunting and overwhelming, there are several tips that you can follow throughout the transition process to ensure a smooth move and settling in. The move will involve a lot of change, from routines to faces and, of course, the environment. However, this time can be filled with opportunity, comfort and community. At Primrose Lodge Southbourne, we pride ourselves on our welcoming home and family environment. Our priority is ensuring every resident has a comfortable experience with us that starts from the moment they walk in on their moving day. We achieve this by creating an easy and smooth transition for your loved one. In this blog, we share practical tips to help new residents adjust to life at our care home, ensuring a positive transition. Setting Realistic Expectations As with many processes, it is important to set realistic expectations at the beginning of this journey. This should take place in the form of open and honest communication with your loved one, where you can discuss what challenges they are likely to face, as well as the positive changes they will experience. The transition will mean many differences to get used to, but it will also be filled with opportunities. In your conversations, it is important that you make them feel it is ok to take time to adjust to the new setting, and they will feel nostalgia and apprehension as they get used to their new home. Validating these feelings can help your loved one embrace them and will show support, helping them transition from their home to a care home. Personalising Your Space We want your loved one to feel at home just as much as you do. With this in mind, it is important that you help your loved one personalise their space with family photos, a favourite throw, or cherished furniture. Personalising their room can ensure they feel at home as they are surrounded by familiar furniture and images. Don’t forget the power of small decorations, such as plants and artwork, as they add personal touches to the new surroundings. Engaging in Social Activities Socialising and participating in activities is always an important aspect of life, and this doesn’t change when moving into a care home. Care homes often have a fun and engaging activity and events calendar full of varying tasks and games. It is always a good idea to encourage your loved one to throw themselves into these activities. While this might seem intimidating at first, this is a great way to get to know the other residents and start building relationships with one another. Of course, creating and nurturing friendships in a care home will reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, helping create a positive experience of living in a care home. Establishing a Routine Your loved one will likely have a routine at home, and moving into a care home will disrupt it. This will be unsettling, which is why it can be important to help your loved one establish a new routine in their new home. A consistent routine will likely help them feel more in control and settled in their new environment, especially if it includes activities they enjoy and regular visits and chats from family and friends. This is often easier to do if you know what the established routines are in the care home your loved one is moving into. Ask about these when visiting the care home while exploring your options. If you know some of the routines before moving in, you can discuss them and set the expectations before the change. Perhaps you can even start implementing the routines at home before moving. Maintaining Independence Everyone wants their independence, and the perception of moving into a care home is that this is lost. However, this certainly isn’t the case. In order to ensure a smooth transition, our staff encourage your loved one to remain as independent as possible. We often find that this works best when it is supported by you and the rest of the family. This looks like allowing your loved one to choose which activities they take part in and having a say in their care plans, amongst other things. Building Relationships with Staff and Residents It is just as important to build strong relationships with care staff as it is to build relationships with other residents, as this will impact how quickly your loved one will settle in. As a loved one, you can help lead this by engaging in conversations with the staff and residents. It is likely that your loved one will follow your lead as they navigate the new surroundings and their anxious feeling about the move. These connections can provide a sense of community and belonging, which will help your loved one feel at home. Staying Connected with Family and Friends Staying in touch and constant communication with your loved one is vital to helping your loved one transition from home into a care home. If you can’t visit them in person, make use of technology like video calls or social media to stay connected. Where possible, make regular face-to-face visits and encourage other family members to visit too. Managing Health and Wellness Just like living at home, maintaining health and wellness is important for a smooth transition into a care home. This is because it will impact some of the other tips for settling in, such as staying independent and taking part in activities. Encourage your loved one to make use of the health and wellness services, including mental health facilities as well as physical health ones. Of course, staying active will also assist with this, so if you visit them, why not encourage them to join you for a walk or tea in the garden? The transition from home into a care home is a big one, and it isn’t unusual for it to have an impact