Recognising the effects of transition to care homes

Moving into a care home is a major transition in life which may involve considerable losses but, with appropriate planning and support, it can bring benefits and improved quality of life for both older people and their families.

'I have lived in this care home for two years...I have now rebuilt my life, thanks to the proprietor and staff. I now want to put the past behind me and live in the present and live as active a life as possible.'

Easing the transition

The transition for residents and their relatives can be eased if pressure on them is minimised:

• if they have access to all relevant information to help them play a full and active role in the life of the home and, for relatives, in the care of the older person;
• if they are able to work with staff;
• if they are able to maintain ownership of decisions about the future;
• if they feel that others are aware of the consequences of the move for them and their loved ones; and
• if information is available on how to choose a home and how to ease the transition of moving.

Care homes as a positive option

Care homes as a style of both housing and care, can be a positive option. Entering a home can offer new opportunities. Initiatives that promote a proactive approach to decision-making, such as facilitating trial visits, should be encouraged.

Resources on this theme

Issue 1 Care Home Staff Bulletin: Managing Transitions (PDF, 380k)
Managing transitions poster (PDF, 162k)

Managing Transitions research briefing (PDF, 75k)

This document contains a short summary of a research review undertaken as part of the My Home Life programme. The full literature review, including research references, further tools and examples of 'best practice', is available in Resources.