Moving into a care home is a significant life change, both for the person making the move and for those supporting them. Knowing who to inform when moving into a care home can help make the transition smoother and ensure important services, finances and healthcare arrangements continue without disruption. Whether the move has been planned for some time or has happened quite quickly following a change in circumstances, it can bring a mixture of emotions.
For some people, going into a care home provides reassurance and relief. For others, it can feel overwhelming. Every experience is different, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.
One thing that can make the process easier is being organised. There are practical arrangements to make, organisations to contact, and important information that needs updating. Taking care of these tasks early can help prevent complications later and allow everyone to focus on settling into the new environment.
Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help. Organisations such as Age UK, Independent Age, and Alzheimer’s Society offer useful guidance on moving into care, managing finances, and understanding available support.
Checklist of People and Organisations to Contact When Going into a Care Home
To help make the transition as smooth as possible, we’ve created a checklist of who to inform when moving into a care home, covering the key people and organisations that may need to be updated:
Your GP and Healthcare Professionals
One of the first organisations to contact is your GP surgery.
If the care home is located outside your current GP’s catchment area, you may need to register with a new practice. It is also important to inform any healthcare professionals involved in ongoing treatment, such as hospital consultants, district nurses, dentists, opticians, and podiatrists.
The care home can often assist with registering residents with local healthcare services if required
The Local Council
If the person moving into a care home receives support from the local authority, their council should be informed of the move.
The council may need to review care arrangements, reassess financial contributions, or update records relating to housing and social care support.
If a property is being sold or left vacant, the council should also be informed for council tax purposes. Understanding how care is funded is an important part of planning ahead, so our guide to paying for care explains the options available.
Department for Work and Pensions
If the person moving into care receives benefits, the Department for Work and Pensions should be told as soon as possible. This may include State Pension, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, or Attendance Allowance.
You will usually need to provide the person’s full name, date of birth, National Insurance number, the care home address, the date they moved in, and details of how their care is being funded.
It is also worth checking whether they may be entitled to Attendance Allowance if they do not already receive it. Some people are unaware that residents living in care homes may still be eligible if they are paying for their own care. Entitlement can depend on how the care home place is funded, so it is important to check the current guidance or seek advice.
HMRC
HMRC should be informed of the change of address so tax records remain accurate. This is particularly important if the person receives income from pensions, savings, investments, rental property, or employment.
Banks, Building Societies and Financial Providers
Banks and financial organisations should be informed of any change of address.
This ensures that statements, correspondence, replacement cards, and important financial information continue to reach the right location.
If a family member or attorney is helping to manage finances under a Lasting Power of Attorney, it may also be a good opportunity to ensure all records are up to date.
Insurance Providers
Insurance policies should always be reviewed when moving into a care home.
This may include home insurance, contents insurance, vehicle insurance, travel insurance, and any specialist policies.
If a property is left empty, insurers often require notification, as cover may change when a home becomes unoccupied.
Utility Companies
If the resident previously lived independently, utility providers should be informed.
This includes gas, electricity, water, telephone, and broadband providers.
Accounts may need to be closed, transferred, or updated depending on what happens to the property after the move.
The Electoral Register
People moving into a care home remain entitled to vote.
The local electoral registration office should be informed of any change of address so voting records can be updated. This ensures the resident can continue participating in elections if they wish.
TV Licence and Other Subscriptions
Many people forget about smaller services and subscriptions during a move.
This can include TV licences, magazine subscriptions, streaming services, mobile phone contracts, newspaper deliveries, and membership organisations.
Reviewing these accounts can prevent unnecessary costs and ensure important services continue where needed.
The Post Office
Arranging mail redirection can be extremely helpful during the transition period.
The Post Office’s redirection service helps ensure letters and important documents continue reaching the correct address while organisations gradually update their records.
How post is managed will depend on each resident’s circumstances. Some residents may continue to receive and manage their own correspondence, while others may choose for a trusted family member, attorney, or representative to help review important letters and respond where needed.
Keeping contact details up to date can provide peace of mind and reduce the risk of missing important correspondence.
Solicitor, Attorney or Deputy
If a solicitor is involved in managing legal affairs, wills, property matters, or Lasting Power of Attorney arrangements, they should be informed of the move.
Where an attorney or deputy is acting on behalf of the person moving into care, they should also ensure that all organisations have the correct contact details and authority recorded.
Family, Friends and Community Groups
Finally, remember to inform the people who matter most.
Friends, neighbours, faith groups, clubs, and community organisations often play an important role in a person’s life. Letting them know about the move can help maintain valued relationships and encourage ongoing visits and communication.
We offer a range of activities for engagement and wellbeing at all our homes and encourage friends and family to get involved where possible.
Preparing for a Successful Move
Alongside notifying key organisations, it is worth taking time to prepare for the practical aspects of moving into a care home. Our guides on what to pack when moving into a care home and tips for moving into a care home provide additional advice to help make the transition as comfortable as possible.
While there can be a lot to organise, remember that you do not have to manage everything alone.
Get in touch with the B&M Care team
At B&M Care, we understand that going into a care home is about much more than paperwork and practical arrangements. It is a major life transition that can feel emotional for everyone involved. We’re a family-run and family-focused provider with 50 years of experience. Our team has the experience, knowledge and nature to be on hand to support residents and families throughout the process, offering guidance, reassurance, and practical help wherever possible.
From answering questions on who to inform when moving into a care home to helping residents settle into their new surroundings, we work hard to make the experience as smooth and welcoming as possible. If you are considering care for yourself or a loved one, our friendly team would be happy to discuss your options and support you every step of the way.
Get in touch with our friendly team today.