The first 7 days in an aged care home can feel like landing in a new country without a map. Even when the home is lovely, it’s still a big change: new faces, new sounds, new routines, different food, different bed, different everything. For families, it can be a mix of relief, worry, and the odd moment of “Are we doing the right thing?”

The goal of the first 7 days is not perfection. It’s safety, comfort, and a steady start. Here’s what typically happens, what’s normal, and what you can ask for to make settling in smoother.

Day 1: The arrival and the “where do I put my bag?” feeling

What to expect
Everything can feel fast. There’s paperwork, introductions, and a fair bit of information coming at you all at once.

Your loved one might seem quiet, teary, unusually cheerful, or “switched on” in a way that surprises you. All of that can be normal. Adrenaline is a powerful thing.

What to ask for

  • One main point of contact for the first week (so you are not chasing five people)

  • A quick orientation to the essentials: call bell, toilet, dining room, nurse station

  • Help setting up the room so it feels familiar by bedtime (photos, a throw, a favourite mug)

  • A simple plan for the first night if sleep is likely to be tricky

A small tip that helps
Bring a “first night kit”: labelled pyjamas, toiletries, a phone charger, glasses, hearing aids, a familiar scent like hand cream, and something comforting to hold or look at.

Day : The first full day and the reality check

What to expect
This is often the day where it sinks in. Appetite might dip. Sleep might be patchy. Your loved one may ask to go home, even if home is no longer safe.

Try not to treat that as a “decision reversal”. It’s often grief, uncertainty, and fatigue speaking.

What to ask for

  • Confirmation of medication list and the medication administration routine

  • How the home will manage mobility safely while they learn the layout, including supervision to meals if needed

  • What the home’s approach is to pain management, especially if your loved one is recovering from hospital or a fall

 

 

Day 3: Settling jitters and the “I don’t want to be a bother” stage

What to expect
Some older persons hold back on asking for help because they do not want to be difficult. That can increase falls risk or lead to missed meals and fluids.

You might also notice your loved one is more confused in the afternoon or evening than in the morning.

What to ask for

  • A hydration plan if your loved one tends to “forget to drink”

  • A continence dignity plan, including preferred products, privacy, and skin care

  • If dementia is part of the picture, ask what they do during late afternoon if distress increases (calm space, routine, soothing activities)

Day : Food, routines, and “is this how it’s going to be?”

What to expect
Mealtimes become a big deal in week one. People often eat less when they’re anxious, or they may struggle if the dining room is noisy.

Some residents thrive socially at meals, others find it overwhelming.

What to ask for

  • Can we see the menu and discuss preferences, cultural needs, allergies, and special diets?

  • Where will they sit at meals and who helps them if they need support cutting food or opening packets?

  • If appetite is low, can the home offer smaller serves, extra snacks, or favourite items?

What to notice
Not just the food, but the feeling. Are residents rushed? Are staff warm and attentive? Does it feel like a meal, or a task?

Day : First signs of belonging (or not yet)

What to expect
Some people start to relax. Others are still in “visitor mode” and feel like they do not belong. It can take time. This is also when family emotions can hit. You may feel fine all week and then feel teary in the car park on day five.

What to ask for

  • One personalised activity this week that suits your loved one’s personality, not just “what’s on the schedule”

  • If your loved one is shy, ask if a staff member can introduce them to one or two residents with similar interests

  • Ask how the home supports residents who prefer quieter, one-on-one engagement

Day : The practical stuff you wish you asked earlier

What to expect
By now you’ve noticed the little irritations. Clothes missing? TV not working? The room too warm at night? These tiny things matter because they affect comfort and control.

What to ask for

  • How laundry labelling works and what to do if items go missing

  • How maintenance requests are handled (lights, TV, air con, mobility aids)

  • Visiting rhythms that work best for your loved one, including when to visit so you’re not interrupting rest or care routines

Day : Review, reset, and set up week two

What to expect
The first week rarely tells the full story, but it does reveal whether the home listens and responds. Your aim is to leave week one with a clearer routine, fewer unknowns, and a plan for any issues you noticed.

What to ask for

  • A short “week one check-in” with the key contact: what’s going well, what needs adjusting

  • When the first formal care plan meeting will happen

  • How the home will keep you updated, and the best way to communicate concerns (phone, email, meetings)

A quick “green flags” list for week one

Look for these signs that you’ve chosen well:

  • Staff speak to residents with warmth and patience

  • Call bells are answered promptly

  • The home offers choices where possible, not just routines

  • Meals are monitored, and low intake is noticed early

  • You feel comfortable asking questions and getting straight answers

A quick “red flags” list for week one

These do not automatically mean “leave”, but they do mean “follow up quickly”:

  • Vague answers about staffing or after-hours clinical support

  • Repeated missed care needs (meals, hygiene, call bell response)

  • Concerns dismissed rather than explored

  • Poor communication or difficulty identifying who is responsible

If you’re exploring residential aged care for yourself or someone you love, CCH offers a warm, welcoming environment where older persons are supported to settle in with dignity, comfort and genuine connection. Our teams focus on getting the little things right in those early days, from understanding routines and preferences to helping residents feel at home in their new community. Learn more about CCH and our residences here