Dementia and Moving to a Care Home
Developing a resource that will help people better understand the Transition process, reduce anxiety and support positive conversations about moving to residential care.
Dementia and Moving to a Care Home
Primary Theme: Facilitating Transitions
Secondary Theme: Sharing Decision Making
Cohort 2 (2016)
Aim of Project
To develop a resource that would help people better understand the transition process, reduce anxiety and support positive conversations about moving into residential care.
Description of Intervention
Participants identified that moving into a care home can be a particularly challenging and emotional experience for people living with dementia and their families. The group recognised a need for practical information and reassurance to support residents and relatives before, during and after the transition to care home life.
Using a relationship-centred and strengths-based approach, the group worked collaboratively to develop a resource that would help people better understand the transition process, reduce anxiety and support positive conversations about moving into residential care.
Who was Involved?
Residents, family members and relatives, care home staff, My Home Life participants.
Which MHL Tools were used and how?
MHL Caring Conversations, Appreciative Inquiry and Image Cards.
Changed Implemented
Drawing on the lived experiences and insights of these stakeholders ensured that the resource reflected the real concerns, questions and emotional experiences associated with moving into a care home.
Following completion of the content by the My Home Life group, the project received support from the Public Health Agency (PHA) to further develop, design and publish the resource as a professionally printed booklet for wider distribution.
Evidence of Impact/Outcomes
The booklet provides a practical and accessible resource for individuals and families facing a move into care home life. It helps prepare people for the transition, supports informed decision-making, and encourages conversations that acknowledge both the emotional and practical aspects of the move.
Sustainability and Spread
The project demonstrates how co-production and partnership working can create meaningful resources that improve the experience of residents and families during significant life transitions.
