Moving into supported accommodation is a much bigger change to navigate than a standard house move, which can already be a very stressful situation in itself. When you make the leap to move into supported living, there’s not just a change of environment to process, but also a change in lifestyle, which can feel a little overwhelming.
It can be hard to know how to help when a friend or relative is moving into a supported accommodation; you don’t want to seem like you’re interfering, but at the same time, if they’re moving into a supported environment, the chances are they need a little help, and you understandably need to know that they’re settling in well for your own peace of mind.
Arrange a prior visit
Arranging a visit to the proposed supported living accommodation can help both you and your loved one. Visiting will give you the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities, and ask any questions.
Help them ‘own’ the decision to move into supported accommodation
It’s important to make the person moving into supported living feel as though it’s their decision so they don’t feel pushed into a move.
Encourage questions and talk up the exciting points, such as:
- Having a space of their own/ more space of their own
- Access to more support
- An opportunity to make new friends (if they want)
- A new social life and new activities to get involved with
Discuss a contact schedule
To ease any worries your loved one might have about staying in contact with family and friends, set up a contact schedule for calls and visits that everyone is comfortable with. Most supported living arrangements give residents autonomy when it comes to making phone calls and keeping in contact, others (especially if Mental Health-related referrals) may suggest a more structured schedule of contact. Make sure everyone knows where they stand when it comes to this.
Get to know the supported living staff and get involved where possible
Make the effort to get to know the housing manager and other staff. If your loved one is likely to be in supported accommodation long term, it can be reassuring to know that you have a good relationship with staff so you can ask any questions, find out how they’re settling in, and raise any concerns.
If you already have a good relationship with the staff, you’re more likely to have confidence in them resolving any issues that come up.
There are usually activities and events which the supported accommodation would normally deliver or sign post to, as part of their service offering, so try to get involved if you can in volunteering, or attending some of the community events , to support your loved one. This would be a good way of reassuring yourself that your loved one has the opportunity of building a support network either where they are living or through any of the other community support services on offer.
Make a moving checklist
Before making the move to a supported living, make sure you and your loved one have thought about the following:
Know what to pack – find out what’s already provided, then make sure you pack all of the clothes, toiletries, personal belongings, gadgets and items they want to have with them.
Make a plan for any remaining belongings – think about if there is anything to sell, or keep in storage for now. Make sure everyone knows the plan for all items before the move to prevent any uncertainty or unnecessary worry.
Change of address admin – help your loved one update their address with the bank and for anywhere else they need to.
Change your GP and dentist (if required) – they may not need to do this, but the supported accommodation may have a preferred doctor and dentist for residents, so it’s important to find out.
It might be worthwhile finding out what else is on offer in the community which your loved one can access. This may be a very good way of them adding meaning and structure to their day. It also supports them to develop independence. You might even be able to support them to attend, or to attend an event with them to help them gain confidence, whereby they could then attend by themselves once they feel comfortable. It is all about helping them to settle into their new home, and to be able to know about and access other services locally.
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We’re aware that not everyone using supported living services will have someone looking out for them and caring for them, but if you are someone helping a loved one through a period when they need to move into supported accommodation, then hopefully the above points will help make the transition smoother for everyone.
It’s normal for the first few weeks after moving into supported accommodation for it to feel a little strange; you may find yourself feeling guilty or worried, and your loved one might experience a few teething problems, but they will soon settle in.
Our team here at QVT have lots of experience in helping new residents to settle in, and sometimes all your loved one needs is to know they have your support and a call or visit to look forward to soon.
For more about our different schemes read here, and for more information on our referral process see here.