It is normal for an older person to feel unsettled or emotional after moving into a residential care home, so family members do not need to be overly worried. Section 16.3.3 of the Code of Practice for Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) (Cap. 459A, June 2024 revised edition) requires homes to observe residents' emotional and behavioural conditions, seek advice from professionals and arrange suitable professional intervention where necessary, and contact family members so that residents can receive emotional support.
The home must also draw up an individual care plan with the resident and their family members within one month after admission (section 12.3.2), so that care can be arranged according to the older person's individual needs.
Family members can help by:
- Proactively contacting the home's social worker to discuss adjustment strategies together.
- Paying attention to the rhythm of visits: very frequent visits in the early stage are not recommended if they may trigger separation anxiety. The visiting frequency can be adjusted gradually as the older person settles in.
Learn more -> If you have questions about emotional support or nursing care arrangements at the home, speak with the home's social worker early to understand the care plan.