Enhancing the Transition Experience 2026

Theme: Facilitating Transitions

Project Title: Enhancing the Transition Experience

Online Cohorts 29 & 30 (2026)

Aim

To enhance the transition experience of residents moving into the care setting through the development and implementation of accessible visual and written/easy read communication resources informed by feedback from residents and families.

Description of the Intervention

Following introduction of the 'Best Practice Guidelines to Support the Person Mving to a Care Home' developed by previous MHL participants, this group wanted to enhance the transition experience.

Feedback from residents, relatives and staff identified a number of challenges associated with admission processes, including communication difficulties, limited information and cultural barriers that could contribute to anxiety and uncertainty during transition.  In response, the participants decided to enhance transition practices through the development of accessible visual and written resources.

SMART Objectives

Over a three-month period, participants aimed to improve transition experiences by developing and implementing visual communication resources, including videos and written materials informed by resident and family feedback. Success would be measured by:

  • Development and distribution of resources by Month 2.
  • Collection of post-transition feedback within two weeks of admission.
  • Achievement of at least 85% positive feedback regarding the usefulness of the resources.
  • Demonstration of improved transition satisfaction compared with baseline feedback.

Who was involved?

Residents, families, staff

Which MHL tools were used and how?

Best Practice Guidelines to Support the Person Moving to a Care Home

Baseline Position (Before the Project)

Information was gathered from 38 participants, including relatives, future residents, and newly admitted residents, to determine how visual resources could support transition into care services. Feedback highlighted the need for flexible and service-specific approaches.

Changes Implemented

As a result, participating care settings introduced a range of interventions including:

  • Visual picture admission packs.
  • Virtual tours where appropriate.
  • Video introductions to staff teams.
  • PowerPoint presentations for residents and families.

These interventions were designed to provide clear, accessible information and support residents with differing communication and cognitive needs

Evidence of Impact / Outcomes

Early findings demonstrated a number of positive outcomes for residents and families. Residents reported increased familiarity with the care environment prior to admission, reduced anxiety, and greater confidence during the transition process. Families described feeling more informed, reassured, and supported in making decisions about care. Visual resources also provided a useful tool for discussion and communication before admission.

The overall impact includes smoother transitions, improved resident and family experiences, greater confidence in the admission process, and evidence to support the wider adoption of visual transition resources across care settings.

DOWNLOAD: Visual Tools: Video & Photographs - Collated data summary from 4 cohort members.

Key Learning

This Quality Improvement initiative demonstrated how co-produced visual communication resources can enhance the transition process for individuals moving into care settings. By providing accessible information tailored to individual needs, services were able to improve understanding, increase confidence among residents and families, and promote a more person-centred approach to admission and transition.

Sustainability and Spread

Continued evaluation will support further refinement and wider implementation of these interventions across health and social care settings

Download the 'Best Practice Guidelines for the Person Moving to a Care Home