Recognising the effects of transition to care homes

'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.