It’s  a major step in anyone’s life journey and moving into an Athena Care Home is the start of a new chapter. We understand that it can be an emotional day for both you and your loved ones.

Our teams strive to make this transition as smooth and welcoming as possible and a lot of preparations will have been made before your moving-in day arrives –  from you, your family and from us as we embark on this journey together.

Here’s what you can expect on your move-in day:

• Personalisation and comfort – in an ideal scenario, your loved ones will already have delivered some of your personal belongings such as pictures, your TV, a favourite blanket, or mementos for your new home. Having familiar belongings around can instantly make you feel more at home and ease the transition into your new environment. If you bring these with you on moving-in day we can quickly help you unpack and get everything into your room.
• A warm welcome – as you arrive, you will be greeted by our team members who are dedicated to ensuring your comfort and wellbeing. They will be there to assist you every step of the way and introduce you to the various amenities and services available within our community. You may meet the home manager, the chef or the lifestyles team as well as carers but don’t feel overwhelmed, you will see them all regularly as you settle in with us.
• Timing matters – ideally, your move-in day should be scheduled to coincide with a time that suits you best and will vary depending on your routine and how far you have to travel. Arriving before lunch allows you to settle in and enjoy your first meal in your new surroundings with your loved ones. Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed afternoon arrival, we recommend aiming for 2pm onwards so that lunchtime is over. Whatever time works best for you, we are here to accommodate your needs and preferences.
• Emotional support – we understand that moving into a care home can evoke a range of emotions for both new residents and their families. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement, apprehension, and nostalgia during this transition. Our team is here to provide you with the emotional support and reassurance you need during this time of adjustment. Feel free to share your thoughts and concerns with us, and we’ll do our utmost to address them and make you feel at ease. If your loved ones have any concerns they can also speak to a member of our team who will help if they can.
• Settling in – once you’ve arrived and had the chance to meet our team and get acquainted with your new surroundings, take some time to settle into your room and familiarise yourself with the amenities available to you. Whether you prefer to socialise with fellow residents, participate in activities, or simply relax and unwind, we want you to feel at home quickly so do what is best for you.