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What to expect when moving into a care home

Moving into a care home is a big step. Whether you’re making the move yourself or supporting a family member or friend, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions – from relief, to uncertainty, even sadness. That’s okay. Adjustment takes time, not just for new residents, but for their family too.

Planning for move-in day

Once your room is ready, the care home team will help guide you through what to bring and how to prepare for the move. Everyone’s preferences are different, so the goal is to make your new space feel as familiar and personal as possible.

Here are some practical things to think about bringing with you:

Furniture

We will provide a bed, bedside table and wardrobe and drawers to store your clothes. You are welcome to bring small furniture items such as a chair, lamp or bookshelf, space permitting. Be sure to chat with the care home manager before move-in day to check what will comfortably fit in your room.

For safety reasons, we do not allow items such as candles, incense or aromatic oil burners into the home, as they can create a fire risk.

Clothing

Each of our care homes offer a laundry service. We recommend bringing:

  • Everyday clothing
  • Nightwear and a dressing gown
  • Slippers and socks or stockings
  • Underwear
  • A warm coat or jacket

Personal touches

Favourite photos, cushions, books, keepsakes or artwork can all help make your room feel more like home. You’re also welcome to bring your own bedding, if you’d prefer.

Electrical appliances

You’re welcome to bring a TV for your room, as well as other small electrical appliances like a radio. Some homes may already supply a television - just ask your care home manager. For safety reasons, any appliances brought in will be tested by the care team. There’s no need to bring heaters, as all our rooms are centrally heated.

Mobility aids

If you have a wheelchair or walker that you already use, feel free to bring it with you. Certain communal equipment may also be provided if needed. Please note that while mobility scooters are not practical for indoor use, we may be able to arrange a safe place to store them - talk to the care home manager for more information.

Updating your address

Just like any house move, it’s important to let people know your new address. Let your family and friends know how to contact you and update the relevant service providers. You can provide either the care home’s main phone number, or your personal phone number for direct contact.

You also need to notify:

  • Your healthcare providers (GP, dentist, optician)
  • Government agencies (e.g. Work and Income)
  • Banks and pension providers
  • Utilities (gas, electricity, water)
  • Insurance companies
  • New Zealand Post

The care home team can support you with this, especially if you’re not able to do it yourself.

Settling in and feeling at home

Settling into your new environment takes time, but there’s plenty of support to help you feel at home. You’ll have your own private room as well as access to shared lounges, dining areas and gardens. Whether you prefer quiet activities or enjoy socialising, there’s something for everyone, from craft sessions and gentle exercise to gardening, music, reading or simply relaxing.

Joining in shared meals, taking part in social activities, or even just saying hello in the lounge are all great ways to meet other residents and start building friendships.

Friends and family are welcome

Staying connected to the people who matter can help to ease your transition into a care home, and your friends and family are welcome to visit. Where possible, the care home also offers outings with support from the clinical team, who will provide you with information as part of the admission process.

For family members, see our tips for visiting friends or family in a care home.

Getting to know you

At Bupa, we strive to truly get to know our residents. From understanding your medical needs and daily routines to learning how you like your tea or coffee, we want to know your story, your values, and what matters most to you.

It is our goal to offer care, companionship and support every step of the way.

Helpful links and resources

Your care home journey

Where to start for aged care

Step 1

‎ Where to start

We know there’s a lot to consider when a family member or friend starts needing more support with everyday tasks. This guide provides early signs to look out for, such as missed medication, reduced independence, or difficulty keeping up with routines — and offers supportive advice on what to do next. If you’ve noticed a change or decline in a family member or friend a visit to your GP might be your next step.

Organising a needs assessment with a NASC

Step 2

Organising a needs assessment

Before moving into a care home (also known as a rest home), you will need to organise a needs assessment. This may be done by Health NZ Te Whatu Ora or Health NZ funded Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) agencies. A person may also be assessed by a specialist while a patient in a public hospital. This process helps ensure you or your family member receives the right support, based on expert advice.

As part of the assessment, you will find out:

  • If the person can be safely supported in the community, or;
  • If the person needs long term residential care (in a care home) and;
  • at level of care is needed, for example rest home, hospital or dementia care.
Mother and daughter writing an action plan

Step 3

Create a personalised action plan

Now that your needs assessment is complete, it’s time to create a personalised action plan. In this guide, we’ll explain how your Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) coordinator will help you access the services you need, whether that’s help at home, respite care, or a move into a care home (also known as a rest home), and guide you through key legal and financial processes such as designating power of attorney, or applying for a Residential Care Subsidy.

Choosing the right care home for you

Step 4

Choosing the right care home

Choosing a care home (also known as a rest home) is a big decision, and often one that needs to be made quickly. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating an urgent situation, this information will help you feel more confident about what to look for, who can support you, and what to expect when visiting a Bupa care home.

Mother and daughter signing an admission agreement into a care home

Step 5

Sign an admission agreement

Before moving into a care home, you’ll be asked to sign an admission agreement. This document outlines your rights, the care and services you’ll receive, and any costs involved. In this video, we’ll walk you through what to expect from the agreement, what to look out for, and how the care home team can support you to feel confident before signing.

Appling for care home subsidy in New Zealand

Step 6

Explore your eligibility for a residential care subsidy

Once you’ve signed your admission agreement, it’s time to explore your eligibility for the Residential Care Subsidy. In this guide, we will explain what a Residential Care Subsidy is, how to apply, and who can help if you’re unable to complete the process yourself. Understanding your options, and what you’re eligible for, can help with peace of mind and feeling prepared moving forward.

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