Moving to a nursing home; what you need to know?

Moving to a nursing home can be a major event for both the person requiring care and their loved ones. It may mean that someone can no longer live independently and needs more intensive care and support. In this article, we discuss the process of moving to a nursing home, the preparation involved, the financial aspects and the involvement of informal carers and relatives.

The process of moving into the nursing home

Before anyone actually goes to one nursing home can move, it is important to discuss the decision and wish to move with loved ones and healthcare professionals. Together we can look at the options and the best care institution for the person in question. There is often also a waiting list. It is also important to have a moving checklist to help organize the move. This way you know exactly what you need to think about. You can use our for this moving checklist. This is free to download. 

Applying for a WLZ indication

To be eligible for a move to a nursing home, an indication from the Long-Term Care Act (WLZ) is required. An indication is issued from the WLZ. This is done by the Care Assessment Center (CIZ) and determines whether someone is entitled to long-term care in a nursing or care home. Applying for this indication can sometimes take some time, so it is important to start on time. 

The role of the care office in the relocation

The care office plays an important role in the relocation of a client to a nursing home. They are responsible for allocating the necessary care and arranging the financial aspects. The care office can support you in finding a suitable nursing home and making agreements about the care and the costs moving costs. Arranging for any later help is also something they can help with.

Preparing for the move

Good preparation for moving to a care home is essential. Arranging your own affairs for a possible later period is an important part of this. This includes arranging any powers of attorney, informing authorities and transferring important documents. Also involving a moving company can help with a smooth move. They can provide support with packing, transporting and unpacking the household effects and extra clothing.

Arrival at the nursing home

Upon arrival at the nursing home, it is important to furnish the new home in a way that feels familiar and homely. Bringing personal items and creating a familiar environment can help you get used to the new situation. The employees also know exactly what care the elderly person needs. This way, the elderly do not have to arrange their own affairs. This is very nice for people with dementia, for example. You can also still ask for help in the care institution.

Dealing with the move

Saying goodbye to the old home and the familiar can be an emotional process. It is important to give space for this and to offer support in processing this change. Once in the nursing home, it is normal to need time to get used to the new environment and fellow residents. It can help to participate in activities and build social contacts within the nursing home. Do you know what you can ask for help in the nursing home? This can help to make everything run smoothly. 

Admission to a nursing home

As a resident in the nursing home, you receive care and support from professional care providers. Caretakers are available to assist with daily activities, such as personal care and meals. In addition, there are also other professionals, such as nurses and therapists, who can provide specialized care depending on individual needs. By making use of this, it can all be made a bit easier for the elderly. Always consult the supplementary insurance of the older person for this, so that you know exactly what is reimbursed and what is not. This can now easily be done digitally. 

Financial aspects of moving into a nursing home

The stay in a nursing home is financed by the Long-Term Care Act (WLZ). A personal contribution applies. The amount of this depends on your income.

The role of informal carers and involvement of relatives

When moving to a care home, the involvement of informal carers and relatives is of great importance. Informal carers are often closely involved in the care and support of the person moving house. They can play a valuable role in guiding and supporting you during the relocation process. It is also often nice for the carers that staying at home is no longer necessary. 

Support with a move to a nursing home

Nursing home professionals can support informal carers by providing information, advice and involving them in care planning. It is important that informal carers also receive support themselves, so that they can continue to fulfill their care tasks and feel supported.

Maintaining involvement and contact with loved ones is essential to the well-being of the person moving. Nursing homes strive to maintain and strengthen ties with close family and friends. This can be done, for example, by organizing regular visits, stimulating social interaction and facilitating communication options.

The importance of good preparation

A good one preparation for the move going to a healthcare institution is therefore very important. Fortunately, there are various initiatives and tools that can help with this. The 'dignified moving' project focuses specifically on guiding people when moving to a nursing home. A moving guide is used that contains a handy checklist with all the things that need to be taken into account.

Conclusion

Moving to a nursing home is a major event that involves several aspects. Discussing the move with relatives and healthcare professionals, applying for a WLZ indication, preparing for the move, dealing with the changes, the financial aspects and the involvement of informal carers and relatives are all important parts of this process.

Good preparation, the use of a checklist and the support of professionals can help to make the move to a nursing home as smooth as possible. Maintaining involvement and contact with loved ones is essential to the well-being of the person moving.

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