Moving into a home

Furniture

It is quite common to have space available for some items like a favourite chair, small table, dresser and bedside light, but it’s best to check with the aged care home what and how many items you can bring.

Medication

It is important that you bring all prescription medication you’re currently taking with you on admission.

Care staff will manage and administer the medication to ensure safe and quality use of your medicines.

Topical creams, herbal remedies, vitamins, and elixirs, which are non-prescription items, should be declared to the staff.

Toiletries

The aged care home supplies the basic necessities such as toothpaste, soap and toilet tissue. Specific items or particular brands need to be purchased at your own expense.

Mobility and wheelchairs

Wheelchairs, scooters, walking frames, and other mobility aids will be assessed to ensure that these are appropriate to your current situation.

The maintenance and upkeep of scooters and wheelchairs is your responsibility.

Making the transition

Once you have been offered a place in an aged care home, it is also important to organise your medical and financial matters, and who you will need to tell about your move.

If you have not done so already, this is a good time to talk to your loved ones about your wishes for your future medical care.

Writing your wishes in a letter or statement can help guide health professionals and those close to you if you become seriously ill or injured and are unable to make decisions about your own care.

This is called an Advance Care Directive and it should include clear and specific details about treatments you would accept or refuse.

Keep your Advance Care Directive in a place that is easily accessible and share the document with your doctor and loved ones.

Who should you tell about your move?

It is recommended that you tell your family, carer, friends, neighbours, community centre or Council, and any health professionals, such as your doctor or pharmacist, that you’re leaving your home to enter an aged care home.

If you need to change doctors, you can ask to have your medical history sent to your new doctor.

It is also a good idea to keep track of any health professionals you see and make a note of your current medical treatments and medication so you can discuss this with your new aged care home as part of your care plan.