Moving into a nursing home is a major change – both for the person concerned and their relatives. In addition to organizational tasks such as Choosing a home, signing contracts & transporting furniture Emotional preparation also plays an important role. A well-planned transition facilitates the start in the new environment and ensures a smooth & stress-free move.
1. When does it make sense to move to a nursing home?
📌 1. When everyday life can no longer be managed alone
✅ Difficulty with daily tasks such as cooking, washing or shopping.
✅ Need for a medical care & nursing around the clock.
🏠 2. When home care is no longer sufficient
✅ Overwhelm of relatives despite support from outpatient care services.
✅ The care requirements increase and all-round care becomes necessary.
🛑 3. When security in your own home is no longer guaranteed
✅ Frequent falls or forgetfulness that make life in your own four walls risky.
✅ Living environment no longer age-appropriate & no possibility of adaptation.
💡 Tip: Early planning helps to structure the move well and avoid unnecessary stress!
2. Step-by-step instructions for moving to a nursing home
📌 Step 1: Select a nursing home & organize registration
✅ Determine your need for care (apply for or adjust your care level).
✅ Visit different nursing homes & find a suitable place.
✅ If necessary, consider waiting lists and plan interim solutions.
📦 Step 2: Clarify finances & contracts
✅ Inform the nursing care insurance fund and social welfare office about the move.
✅ Financing a place in a home – check whether you have to contribute your own share or whether you can receive social assistance.
✅ Organize termination of the current apartment & terminate rental contracts.
🚛 Step 3: Prepare for the move
✅ Select important furniture & personal items for the new room.
✅ Organize moving helpers or professional support.
✅ If necessary, obtain special permits for transport.
💡 Tip: A list of all necessary formalities helps you keep track!
3. What items should be taken to the nursing home?
🏡 1. Personal furniture & memorabilia
✅ If permitted, bring small pieces of furniture (e.g. favorite armchair, bedside table).
✅ Photos, memorabilia & personal items for a familiar environment.
🛏 2. Practical things for everyday life
✅ Clothing for different seasons, comfortable slippers & care products.
✅ Important medications, glasses, hearing aids & other aids.
📚 3. Entertainment & Activities
✅ Books, radio, handicraft items or hobby items to pass the time.
✅ If possible, a own phone or tablet for contact with relatives.
💡 Tip: Each facility has its own rules about what can be brought in – check beforehand!
4. Emotional support & facilitate settling in
🛑 1. Consciously say goodbye to your old apartment
✅ If possible, plan a final viewing or farewell ritual.
✅ The move as Communicate a positive step for more security and care.
🚪 2. Make the first time in the nursing home easier
✅ Plan frequent visits from relatives – especially in the first few weeks.
✅ Inform caregivers about special habits & preferences.
🎭 3. Build social contacts in the home
✅ If possible, participate in activities & community events.
✅ Have acquaintances or friends visit you to feel better more quickly.
💡 Tip: A slow and careful transition helps to reduce fears and settle in faster!
5. Avoid common mistakes when moving to a nursing home
❌ Planning too short-term and getting hectic → Solution: Search for nursing homes early and prepare documents.
❌ Taking too much or unsuitable furniture → Solution: Take only the essentials and personal items.
❌ Relatives overtax themselves → Solution: If necessary, organize professional moving assistance.
❌ Underestimating the emotional aspect of moving → Solution: Have conversations & proceed carefully.
💡 Tip: A well-planned move reduces stress and ensures a positive start to your new home!
6. Checklist for a smooth move to a nursing home
📌 Before the move:
✅ Select a nursing home & complete registration.
✅ Clarify financing & inform nursing care insurance/social welfare office.
✅ Terminate your current apartment & set a moving date.
📦 During the move:
✅ Transport important documents and medications separately.
✅ Bring personal furniture & memorabilia to the nursing home.
✅ Relatives accompany the move in and help with the settling in.
🏡 After the move:
✅ Accompany the first days in the nursing home & offer emotional support.
✅ Develop new routines & socialize with roommates.
✅ Schedule regular visits & phone calls to maintain closeness.
💡 Tip: Patience is important – many seniors need time to get used to their new surroundings!
Conclusion: How to move to a nursing home without stress
✔ Early organization facilitates the transition and avoids unnecessary stress
✔ Personal items & memories create a familiar environment
✔ Emotional support and regular visits help with settling in
✔ Financial and organizational issues should be clarified early on
🚛 Are you planning to move to a nursing home for yourself or a relative? Praktik Transport offers tailor-made solutions for a gentle & smooth transition to a nursing home! Get a non-binding offer now! 🏡👵✨
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