Moving Into Care: What Families Wish They Knew

Most LTC facility beds are 36" × 80" (hospital/twin XL). Standard twin sheets (38" × 75") often pop off the corners. Confirm with the facility before buying new bedding.

Telus and Rogers both offer senior or low-income plans, but you often need to apply before the move date to get the discounted rate. Shaw/Telus Optik can take 1–2 weeks to activate.

Facilities do laundry communally. Without labels, belongings disappear fast. Iron-on name labels are the standard — order them early, they take a week to arrive.

BC Hydro, FortisBC, and local water authorities all require separate cancellation calls. Give 2–3 weeks notice. A family member can do this with Power of Attorney.

Most facilities require a signed POA or RCOA (Representation Agreement in BC) before move-in. If not yet done, this is the most time-sensitive item on the list.

LTC rooms typically range from 180–280 sq ft. A standard full recliner won’t fit — wall-hugger recliners need only 4–6" of clearance vs. the usual 12–18".

Most facilities don’t allow nails or screws in walls. 3M Command strips and hooks are the standard workaround for photos, organizers, and small shelves.

Nighttime falls are one of the top injury causes in LTC facilities. A motion-sensor LED strip under the bed activates gently when feet touch the floor — less blinding than a lamp.

Standard recliners need 12–18" of wall clearance to recline. Wall-hugger models need only 4–6". Measure the room first — most LTC rooms have a 6" maximum before hitting the wall.

Outlet placement in LTC rooms is often awkward — one outlet near the bed, one near the door. A 6–10 ft power bar is almost always needed. Facilities typically allow them if they’re surge-protected.

Area rugs and bath mats are a fall hazard and most facilities ask you to remove them. Non-slip mats for the bathroom area are usually fine — check with the facility.

Facilities are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Sentimental jewelry, antiques, and valuable artwork are better kept safe at a family member’s home.

Bookshelves, dining tables, and standard dressers won't fit. Most LTC rooms accommodate a single bed, a nightstand, one recliner, and a small dresser. Measure the room first.

Facilities manage medication centrally. Bring a printed medication list, not the actual pills. The facility pharmacy will coordinate with your doctor directly.

Large TVs, laptops, and expensive gadgets are theft risks. A small tablet or a wall-mounted TV (if allowed) is safer. Check with the facility about their electronics policy.

Video calls dramatically reduce feelings of isolation in the first weeks. GrandPad (Canada) and iPad with simplified launchers like Claris Companion are designed for seniors. Setup takes an hour but is worth every minute.

Some facilities provide bed rails; many don’t. A portable folding rail that slides under the mattress adds safety for getting in and out — particularly valuable in the first weeks before staff know your loved one’s routine.

Familiar objects — a favourite quilt, photos, a small clock — help with orientation and reduce transfer trauma. Bring a few at a time rather than all at once to let the space feel settled.

The BC Seniors Card (65+) provides discounts on transit, recreation, and some retail. It’s free to apply through Service BC. Many families forget this step during a stressful move.

Canada Post offers mail forwarding (paid service). More importantly, update the address for pension, MSP, banking, and any benefit programs — facilities don’t handle resident mail reliably.

The primary family caregiver often experiences grief, guilt, and exhaustion after a parent moves into care — even when it’s the right decision. BC has free caregiver support groups and counselling through the Family Caregivers of BC.

It's normal for your loved one to seem confused, withdrawn, or upset in the first 2–4 weeks. This is called 'transfer trauma' or 'relocation stress syndrome.' It usually improves as routines form. Being present and calm during visits helps more than anything.

Regular, predictable visits (e.g., every Tuesday and Saturday at 2pm) help your loved one orient to the new environment. Short, calm visits are better than long, emotional ones in the first weeks.

Almost every family caregiver feels guilt after placing a parent in care, even when it's the right decision. Caregiver support groups help. In BC, Family Caregivers of BC offers free one-on-one coaching: 1-877-520-3267.

Introduce yourself to the staff by name. Ask them what your loved one's days look like. A good relationship with staff is the single strongest predictor of care quality — families who engage get better care.