Moving in Made Easy

September 06, 2017

When was the last time you moved homes? It can be a big change and can take a little while before you feel settled. But there are some things you can do to make the move easier and smoother, so that you can enjoy your new home.

Visit the Residential Aged Care

If you are able it’s a good idea to visit the Residential Aged Care at least once before you move in. The Manager can show you around and you can meet the staff and other residents and possibly see your suite. This will help you know what to expect and make the environment more familiar when you do move in.

Let others know

You’ll be changing address so you will need to notify your family, friends, doctor, bank and health insurance etc. You also need to inform the Electoral Commission. At election time we can make arrangements to help you to attend a polling booth to cast your vote or arrange postal voting.

What to bring

This will be your new home so you should bring the essential things that you need. If you have them, remember to bring your electronic devices such as your mobile phone and charger, iPad, laptop, computer, and radio.

As well as your clothes, toiletries and personal items, we encourage you to bring photos, mementoes and artwork and even some of your own furniture, to decorate your suite and help make it home.

Friends, visitors and relationships

We believe that contact with loved ones is vital for your health and wellbeing and having people visit you will help make it feel like home all the quicker. Friends and family will always be warmly welcomed and there’s no need to call ahead when visiting.

Why not let them know when you’ll be moving in and set up times for them to visit you over the first two weeks? They’re also welcome to stay for meals for a nominal fee. Birthdays and other special occasions can also be held in the shared spaces and gardens.

Relationships are at the heart of what it means to be human. We recognise and respect the importance of emotional and physical intimacy in the lives of consenting adults and support your right to select and maintain social and personal relationships with anyone else without fear, criticism or restriction.

Medical details

We’ll need a list from your doctor of the medications you are currently taking. Before you move in we can provide a medication chart for your doctor to complete so we can assist with safe administering of your medication.

Make any legal arrangements

We recommend that you nominate someone to act on your behalf when authorised and needed. You should also notify the Commonwealth Government if you want their communications to be directed to this person.

If you’d like this person to make health and lifestyle decisions on your behalf you have the option of appointing them as an ‘Enduring Guardian’.

Alternatively, Public Guardianship can be arranged by applying to the Guardianship Tribunal. Enquiries can be made by telephoning 1800 463 928. If necessary, you can arrange for a Power of Attorney through your legal advisor. Please discuss this with your legal advisor, doctor or with us if you require further information or help.

An Advance Care Directive, sometimes called a ‘living will’, is a document that describes your future preferences for medical treatment in case you aren’t able to express those preferences because of illness or injury. We advise you to speak with your doctor, guardian and family about your wishes and preparing an Advance Care Directive.

It’s important to have a will so that your estate and other affairs are taken care of in the way you want. Your legal advisor or bank can help you with this.You may want to also take a look at our Common Questions.