Preparing to Move
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Tips to help you prepare for your move to a long-term care home

The time between being notified of a vacancy and moving into a facility is very short - within 24 to 48 hours - therefore, it is necessary to organize for the move in advance.

What can I do to prepare?

These are the most important steps that you and your family should take to be ready to move to a long-term care home:

  • Review your eligibility for available benefits, such as Guaranteed Income Supplement or Veterans Affairs benefits 
  • Arrange for a Power of Attorney or a Representation Agreement
  • Talk about future wishes for health care treatment with your family and family physician
  • Confirm whether your family doctor will continue to provide medical care after the move, or if you will need to arrange to find a new doctor
  • Make a list of places that will need a change of address notification, including BC Medical Services Plan, Canada Post, your bank and insurance companies and social organizations. Many long-term care homes prefer that your business mail is redirected to your designated financially responsible person rather than delivered onsite.
  • Review budget planning to include the costs of long-term care accommodation that will be payable on admission and monthly after that

What information do I need before I arrive?

We will let you know when a vacancy becomes available. Immediately following this notification you should contact the care home to find out:

  • what transportation arrangements are needed
  • who should come to help with admission
  • what belongings and furnishings can be taken
  • what personal items are needed and how to label them
  • what are the site's policies regarding belongings, pets, mail, religious beliefs or other pertinent concerns
  • if outings and overnight stays for friends and family can be arranged

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MoH     PCQO