Improving the Experience of Transitions into and from Care Homes
Improving the experience of various forms of transitions for residents and their families.
Improving the Experience of Transitions into and from Care Homes.
Primary Theme: Facilitating Transitions
Secondary Theme: Sharing Decision Making
Cohort 8 (2021-22)
Project Title
Improving the Experience of Transitions into and from care homes.
Project Aim
To develop standardised transition processes to support future residents and their families.
Description of Intervention
Participants explored how the experience of transition into and between care settings could be improved for residents and their families. The initiative focused on transitions from home or hospital into a care home, as well as residents returning to the care home following admission to hospital or the Emergency Department.
To inform this work, the cohort engaged with Dr Marie O'Neill, Lecturer in Nursing at Ulster University, whose research examines older adults' experiences of transitioning from home to a care home. Drawing on research findings and resident narratives, participants undertook a process of appreciative inquiry and discovery work within their own care homes. Through facilitated reflective discussions and direct engagement with residents and relatives, participants explored what contributed to positive transition experiences and identified opportunities for improvement.
The initiative adopted a light-touch improvement approach, generating baseline information about the experiences of residents and family members during transitions. This work provided valuable insights into the emotional, relational and practical aspects of moving into a care home and highlighted the importance of early engagement, communication and family involvement.
Who Was Involved?
Residents, relatives and staff.
Which MHL Tools were used and how?
Emotional Touchpoint cards
Changes Implemented
Following the discovery process, participants committed to testing changes within their own care home settings. Actions included gathering feedback from recently admitted residents and relatives, capturing learning from positive and negative experiences, and developing mechanisms to routinely collect and review transition feedback.
One significant improvement involved redesigning the admission process for new residents. Rather than relying solely on telephone assessments, prospective residents and their families were invited to visit the care home before admission. Assessments were undertaken in person using Emotional Touchpoint cards to facilitate meaningful conversations about feelings, concerns and expectations. This approach enabled families to view the environment, meet staff and develop relationships prior to admission.
The changes resulted in:
- Improved engagement and communication between staff, residents and families.
- Greater involvement of residents and relatives in admission planning.
- Reduced anxiety and uncertainty associated with moving into a care home.
- Stronger relationships and trust between care home staff and families.
- Enhanced understanding of individual experiences and support needs during transition.
Evidence of Impact/Outcomes
As a result of the positive outcomes achieved, participants agreed to embed these approaches into routine practice and develop standardised transition processes to support future residents and their families. The initiative demonstrated how small, relationship-centred changes can significantly improve the experience of transition and strengthen person-centred care within care home setting.
