What to expect when moving into aged care

Moving into aged care is a big life moment for your loved ones – so it’s normal for them to be a little unsure of what to expect. The first day in residential aged care can be a lot, especially if they are moving from a home they’ve lived in for a long time. 

But don’t worry, we’re here to make sure it’s as comfortable, welcoming, and reassuring as possible. Here’s a friendly guide to what you can expect when your loved one first arrives at HillView Care:

A warm welcome from our friendly team

The first day at HillView Care always begins with a warm welcome from our friendly team. Adjusting to a new environment can be overwhelming, so we make sure to take things at their own pace. Our staff will greet them with a smile, and from the moment they walk in, they’ll feel the calm and caring atmosphere that defines our community.

Your loved one probably has a lot on their mind, so we’re here to help with the little things. Whether it’s settling into their room, answering questions, or just helping them feel comfortable, we’re here to guide them every step of the way.

Our team will show them around our beautiful premises, whether it’s our Merrimac or Ashmore aged care home, explaining what to expect during the day, and introducing them to some of their fellow residents. 

We’ll help them get settled in their room by adding their personal touches from home – photos, artwork, their favourite chair, or anything else that will make their space feel familiar and comforting.

Meeting HillView Care residents

One of the things many of our residents tell us they love most about HillView Care is the sense of community. On your loved one’s first day, they’ll start to meet their neighbours and other residents. 

Whether it’s chatting over a cup of tea or joining in on one of our activities, there are plenty of ways to meet new people and start building connections. Our residents often tell us they’re more active socially here than they were at home, so your loved one will have plenty of opportunities to make new friends.

A delicious meal to welcome you

At HillView Care, we pride ourselves on the quality of our meals. Your loved one will enjoy home-cooked meals, freshly prepared by our on-site chefs using the finest ingredients. Whether they prefer something light or a heartier meal, we have options to suit every taste.

Mealtime is more than just about eating, it’s a chance to relax, chat with others, and enjoy a yummy meal. 

Meet our caregivers

Your loved one will meet our team of professional caregivers, who will be there to help them with their daily tasks. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care, with a focus on respect and compassion. Whether they need help with daily activities or just want someone to chat to, our team is here to support them.

On their first day, we’ll also give your loved one an overview of our services, including any personal care they may need, medical services, and activities that are available. It’s all about ensuring they feel comfortable, confident, and well taken care of.

Enjoying the gardens and outdoors

New residents are encouraged to take a walk around our beautifully landscaped gardens. Your loved one will find plenty of quiet spots to relax and enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s under a tree, by the garden pond, or on a shaded bench. It can be a peaceful way to start their stay at HillView Care and a chance to relax after the move. 

A relaxed evening to end their day

By the end of your loved one’s first day, they’ll have had the chance to explore, connect with others, and begin settling into their new routine. We’ll ensure everything is in place so they can unwind and enjoy a peaceful evening. Whether they decide to join a group activity, relax in their room, or participate in one of our social events, they’ll have plenty of options to have a great ending to their first day.

How to stay connected with family and friends

If your loved one is feeling a little homesick, we encourage them to invite family and friends to visit. We know that family support is important, and our doors are always open for visitors. Staying connected with loved ones can make the transition to aged care easier, and we’re happy to help facilitate those visits.

Holistic residential aged care at HillView Care

Your loved one’s first day at HillView Care is just the beginning of the new chapter of their life. Our friendly team will be with them every step of the way, ensuring that they feel supported, safe, and at home.

HillView Care is here to make this new phase of life as fulfilling and comfortable as possible. If you’re considering moving your loved one to HillView Care or have any questions about the process, feel free to book a tour or get in touch with our team, we’d love to show you around.