The emotional journey of transitioning into aged care

There may come a time when you and your loved one need to consider the possibility of them transitioning into a residential aged care home. This often happens after an accident or injury, or when your loved one can no longer care for themselves in their own home. 

Transitioning a loved one into aged care is an emotional decision, often accompanied by mixed feelings, from uncertainty to fear, and even sometimes guilt. It can be hard to know if it’s the right time, how your loved one will adjust and if it’s the best decision for their wellbeing. 

At HillView Care, we’ve helped many residents transition into our Gold Coast aged care homes in Ashmore and Merrimac, welcoming them and ensuring their needs and expectations are met. For us, it’s all about helping our residents manage their emotions, and relationships and ensuring they feel safe, valued and cared for. 

Moving into an aged care home is an opportunity for your loved ones to have a better quality of life, get the right care and join a community that feels like home. 

Why does transitioning into aged care feel so hard? 

Many families put off having the conversation about aged care as it can be an emotional process. Some of the feelings your loved one may face include: 

Fear of the unknown: Moving into a new environment with new people and a new routine can feel overwhelming. 

A loss of independence: For your loved one it can feel like an end to a life chapter and bring about feelings of loss. 

Attachment to home: Letting go of a family home and all the memories it holds can be difficult. 

Your family may feel: 

Guilt: Many families feel a sense of guilt, not sure if they made the right choice in helping their loved one transition into a residential aged care home. 

Sadness: You may feel a sense of loss when your loved one moves into aged care. 

Relief: While it can feel emotional, you may also feel a sense of relief, knowing your loved one is now getting the professional care they need.

It’s important to know that there’s no right or wrong way to feel during this transition, but understanding how our Gold Coast residential aged care home works can give you the peace of mind that you’ve all made the right decision. 

What you can do to help your loved one adjust to aged care living

Change isn’t easy, no matter your age. Here are some tips to help you make this transition as smooth as possible. 

Start the conversation early – If you can, it’s good to introduce the idea of aged care as early as possible. While it’s hard not to make a sudden decision in the event of an emergency, it’s beneficial to explore the options together so your loved one is involved in the decision-making process. 

Visit and explore homes together – One of the biggest fears about aged care is the fear of the unknown. Visiting different homes, meeting staff, and seeing the environment firsthand can help reassure both you and your loved one. At HillView Care, we welcome families to tour our Ashmore and Merrimac residences, where you can see the warm, homely environment and get a feel for what life is like here.

Make it feel like home – At HillView Care, you can bring along personal items and treasured memorabilia to make the space feel like home.  A familiar setting can help ease the transition and give your loved one added comfort in their new environment.

Focus on the positives – Moving into aged care isn’t about losing independence, it’s about gaining more support through our home’s range of services that include home-cooked meals, social activities and compassionate everyday care. 

Stay involved – It’s important for your loved one that they’re able to maintain connections with their family and friends. Regular visits and phone calls can help to reassure your loved one that they are still deeply connected to you. At HillView Care, we encourage family involvement, whether it’s sharing a meal, attending events, or simply spending time together.

Why choose HillView Care? 

Choosing the right aged care home is about more than just facilities—it’s about finding a place where your loved one feels safe, comfortable, and respected. At HillView Care, we take pride in offering:

• A home-like environment – Our Ashmore and Merrimac residences are warm, welcoming, and designed to feel like home.
• Personalised care – We understand that every resident has unique needs. Our experienced team provides tailored care plans, ensuring each person receives the support they need while maintaining as much independence as possible.
• A close-knit community – Life in aged care can be vibrant and fulfilling. With social activities, outings, and opportunities for engagement, we help residents stay active and connected.
• Nutritious, chef-prepared, home-style meals – Good food is at the heart of wellbeing, and our chefs prepare delicious, nutritious meals every day.

Remember – you’re not alone

If you’re going through the process of transitioning your loved one into aged care, you’re not alone. At HillView Care, we’re here to guide you through this journey and ensure your loved one gets the care and support they deserve. If you’d like to learn more or visit our Ashmore or Merrimac locations, we’d love to welcome you for a chat and a tour. Contact us today!