Moving into Residential Care

When a parent or loved one has to move out of their home it can be a traumatic time for both them and you. At Age UK East Sussex we understand how difficult this process can be and will work with you and your loved ones to make this transition as easy as possible.

We can help and recommend the following:

• If possible discuss with your parent or relative as early as you can what to do should they need to move into a home or residential care before the time comes.
• Establish an agreed plan for the items they will want to keep and those which they will be happy for you to dispose of.
• Make an agreement about what to do with the property once they have left, should it be sold or tenanted.
• It can be very difficult when someone moves into their new home; bear in mind that plans can change and some relatives may wish to return after a month of trying out a residential home. We always recommend you wait a while before making any changes to their belongings or property.
• Agree beforehand the clothes and personal affects they would like to keep. People do change their minds and it can be traumatic if personal possessions have been disposed of. We recommend a “cooling off” period before you make changes to the property or you can ask us to store items for you, though we do make an additional charge for this.
• Ensure you have written permission from the relative or Power of Attorney over their Financial and Legal matters. If you do not have Power of Attorney we suggest you speak to a legal representative.

Please Note: We can only act with consent from the property owner either in person or by telephone or if you are acting on behalf of someone else, written power of attorney.

Age UK East Sussex can provide you and your loved ones with Information and Advice relating to issues that may affect you during this time. Please visit our webpage or call our Information and Advice line 01273 476704.