Who to inform when moving into a care home

Who to inform when moving into a care home

Moving into a care home is an emotional transition for many and knowing when someone should go into a care home is different for each individual. However, ensuring you stay organised throughout the process is important to ensure the move goes smoothly.

Remembering all of the people and organisations that you need to inform when moving into a care home can be difficult, especially as there are so many to talk to. That’s why Porthaven has put together this comprehensive ‘moving into a care home checklist’ to take the stress away and help you remember who you need to inform about your move.

Moving into a care home checklist: 9 authorities you’ll need to contact 

Before we dive into which authorities you will need to inform about your move into a care home, the most important people you should inform are your friends and family. Share your journey with them so they can come along for the adventure, help you move your belongings and provide emotional support throughout this period of change. 

Aside from friends and family, some various businesses and organisations need to be informed about your move into a care home, from your GP to the electoral roll. Read on to learn more about who to inform when moving into a care home.

1. Your GP or other health professional

Your GP should be at the top of the list for you to inform about moving into a care home. If you are staying in the same area they will simply need to update their records of your new address. However, if you are moving away from the area, you will need to register with a new GP and have the old GP pass over all of your records.

As well as your GP you will also need to inform other health professionals of your change of address. These could include dentists, opticians, hospitals and any specialists you are seeing (e.g. dietician, audiologist).

2. Insurance companies

Another organisation you should inform when moving into a care home is your insurance company. They will need to know about your change of address and, depending on the policy, they may need to re-quote the insurance policy to cover your change in circumstances. For example home insurance, life insurance and health insurance.

3. Bank or Building Society

Once you have moved into a care home, or move to a new care home, you should update your bank or building society of your new address. You can easily do this through a mobile app, online banking, over the phone or in person at a branch. 

If you use other financial services providers, such as loan companies, credit cards and investments, they will also need to be informed about your change of address.

4. Local council

Your local council should also be informed about your move to a care home. They can give you a financial assessment to understand if you qualify for financial assistance with paying for care or if you’ll need to pay for your own care needs, including dementia care fees.

You may be eligible for a council tax exemption as well, depending on your circumstances. Find your local council to see if you qualify.

5. Utility companies 

Informing your utility companies about your move into a care home is also important to ensure you are paying for your own utility usage and not someone else’s. Often utility costs will be included in the cost of your care home fee so you will need to cancel existing contracts with your gas, electricity, water, broadband, phone and TV providers.

6. Electoral roll

Even if you move into a care home, you are still eligible to vote. You will need to update the electoral register with your new address – this is a legal requirement and you will receive a fine if you do not.

You can use the Register to Vote service on GOV.UK to change your address. You’ll be asked for your National Insurance number, but you can still register without this if you don’t have it.

7. Benefits departments

If you claim benefits you will need to inform the relevant departments that you are moving as moving into a care home could affect your entitlement to certain benefits. Here’s who to contact for more information:

8. Post Office

Make sure to set up a Royal Mail Redirection notice either online or at your local Post Office to ensure all of your post makes it to your new address. You can redirect your mail to any UK or overseas address for 3, 6 or 12 months from just £39.50.

9. Other service providers and organisations Change of Address 

Other service providers, subscriptions and organisations you may need to contact to inform them of your change of address after you move into a care home include:

  • DVLA or DVA
  • Internet, mobile and TV providers
  • TV Licensing
  • Magazines or newspapers you have delivered
  • Anybody who regularly visits your home to do work, such as a gardener or cleaner
  • E-commerce websites such as Amazon (you can update your address on their website)
  • Streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Sky TV

Checklist: Before moving into a care home

Now that you have informed everyone of your change of address, there are other things on the moving into a care home checklist that you need to consider. Check off the 9 items below.

1. Check what services and items are included in the costs

Each care home provider includes different services and items in their costs which need to be paid by the resident or next of kin. At Porthaven utilities like water, electricity and internet are included in the fees for your home, as well as activities to support emotional and mental well-being.

2. Get familiar with the care home

Make sure to book a visit before settling on the care home you are choosing. This will give you an idea of the layout of the home, introduce you to staff and residents and help you feel more comfortable in the new environment.

3. Let them know about your dietary needs

During your visit to look around the care home, or during the initial enquiry phase, it’s important to let the care home know about any dietary requirements you may have. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential to maintaining good health, so ensuring the care home you are moving into can cater to your food and drink preferences is paramount.

4. Check out the pet policy

If you have a pet, you will need to check the care home’s pet policy beforehand to see if you can bring your furry friend with you into the care home. Some care homes allow certain pets to stay but not others, so it’s always good to check first.

5. Fill out forms in advance

To prevent delays with your move, ensure all forms for personal information, medical checks and financial suitability are filled out in advance. You don’t want to delay your move due to some paperwork!

6. Prepare your furniture

Porthaven rooms are fully furnished so all residents need to do is bring their favourite belongings like a comfy chair, pictures and art. We also include support for maintenance and moving throughout the process so you don’t have to worry about hanging up your pictures yourself.

7. Decide what to do with your remaining belongings

For any furniture and belongings you aren’t able to take with you to the care home, you will need to decide where these go once you move out of your current home. Some options include:

  • Donate the items to a local charity
  • Allow family members and friends to take pieces they like for themselves
  • Sell items online on sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace
  • Donate items for free online on sites like Freecycle

8. Work out what clothes to pack and what items to bring

Like with your furniture, you may not be able to take all of your clothing and personal items with you when you move into your new care home. Take time organising through your belongings to keep the things that truly bring you joy before parting with the rest.

9. Prepare them emotionally

Moving into a new environment, surrounded by new people and experiences can be daunting. Taking time to talk with friends and family to prepare emotionally is recommended to feel more comfortable with the move, and remind you that you aren’t on your own in this next adventure.

Looking for a particular kind of care?

All Porthaven homes offer a variety of exceptional care services for our residents. Our staff are highly trained and certified to look after residents with a wide range of care needs including dementia care and respite care.

Find your nearest care home today or book a visit to a Porthaven Care Home and see for yourself the care we offer. 

FAQs about moving into a care home

What do you say to someone moving into a care home?

You should always talk positively to someone who is moving into a care home. There may be intense emotions around the change in living circumstances and ensuring you actively listen and acknowledge the person can help them to feel heard during an uncertain time.

Who do you notify when someone moves into a care home?

Several people and organisations need to be notified when someone moves into a care home. These include the local council, GP, insurance companies, banks, utility companies and many more. Our guide on who to inform when moving into a care home gives the full breakdown.