Aged care guide
Moving into aged care
Signing your resident agreement
Once you have decided which care home is right for you, the home will provide you with a Resident Agreement which needs to be completed and signed before you move in.
This agreement is a legal document between you and the home and includes details about the services provided, fees being charged and your rights and responsibilities.
Preparing for your move and next steps
Update your address like any house move
As with any house move, it’s important to let family and friends know that you have moved and give them your new address.
You may also need to contact:
Healthcare providers
General Practitioner (GP)
Dentist
Optician
Service providers
Gas or electricity companies
Banks
Pension providers
Water provider
You can provide them with your care home number or personal number to get in touch with you directly.
Pack your belongings and personal possessions
We want you to feel as at home as possible in your new surroundings, which is why we recommend you bring personal items such as ornaments, pictures or books to decorate your room.
You may also want to bring:
Furniture – space permitting, you are welcome to bring small items. Have a chat with the care home manager before you move in to check if it will fit first.
Clothing – each of our care homes has a laundry service. Some of our homes also have laundry facilities which you are welcome to use. Some suggestions for what to bring include; day time clothing, night clothes, a dressing gown, slippers, socks or stockings, underwear and a coat or jacket.
Electrical appliances – you are welcome to bring your own TV (some care homes may have TVs supplied already) for your room and other electrical appliances too. For your own safety we will make sure these items are fully tested. All of our rooms are heated so there’s no need to worry about bringing heaters.
Mobility aids – if you have your own wheelchair we’re happy for you to bring it with you. Some Primary Care Trusts supply wheelchairs to people who need them. Mobile scooters aren’t practical to use inside our homes, please speak to the care home manager about storing scooters.
Pets – some of our care homes allow pets. Check with the home’s manager if you would like to bring a pet when you move in. A number of our homes also welcome in animals as part of ‘Pets as Therapy’ activities.
As you would do at home, we recommend that you organise personal belongings insurance so any items of value are covered.
Meet your care team
When you first arrive, you’ll meet your key carer who will give you a guided tour of your new home. They will tell you about meal times and activities and introduce you to some of the other residents and members of our team.
Once you have unpacked and settled in, our team will spend time getting to know you and show you how to use the 24-hour call system should you need assistance any time of the day and night.
Our night duty team will have already been told what time you like to go to bed and wake up, so you can relax and take time to get to know your new home.
Work with us on your personalised care plan
We believe it’s important to embrace the individuality of every resident.
Soon after you move in, we’ll work with you and your family to get to know you personally.
Together we’ll create a care plan that revolves around your needs and preferences so that we provide support in the way that you prefer.
Enjoy personal time
When you move into one of Bupa's care homes, you won't lose your right to privacy and dignity.
Your confidentiality will be respected in all matters. Additionally, all of our care homes have a private area where residents can entertain family, friends and carers.
Ask your loved ones to install the Bupa connect app
Your loved ones can keep up to date with what's happening in your home via our Bupa Aged Care Connect app.
The General Manager for your care home will have the login details and password for your home.
Get involved in activities and events
Your care home has a range of activities to support your health and wellbeing.
There are also special calendar events throughout the year for you to dress up or take part in.
We also welcome your thoughts and ideas, so please ask our friendly team.