Preparing for the Transition to a Care Facility

After deciding that a care facility is necessary, you'll find yourself facing the difficult task of selecting the right facility. Quality of care, services offered, and financial accommodations are a few factors you should consider for each care facility you visit. The articles below discuss how to visit a nursing facility and offer checklists to assess how well a facility meets your needs.

Click on an article title below to learn more.

When is it time to hire a home care provider?
Providing care for an aging loved one can be overwhelming at times. Read this article to learn about home care services that are available to assist with your loved one, including tips to finding a good home care provider.

Choosing a Quality Nursing Home
The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging offers some answers to the following questions: Should you consider a Nursing Home? , What kinds of services can a nursing home offer? Who are the providers of primary services in a nursing home? , Who pays for nursing home care? , and What does every good nursing home have?

Medicare Nursing Home Checklist (PDF)
The official Medicare website provides a comprehensive checklist you may find useful as you assess nursing homes. This evaluation focuses on quality of life, quality of care, and nutritional services.

Moving into a Nursing Home: A Guide for Families
A social worker discusses the prospect of moving to a nursing home facility from the perscpective of the new resident and his or her family. This ElderCare Online article provides advice for how to organize the move and how to prepare emotionally.

Helping Your Elder Adjust to a Residential Facility
This brief ElderCare Online article outlines what to expect in the first month after the move to a residential facility. Topics include when to visit your loved one, the emotions usually felt by the new resident, and common nursing home policies for new residents.

Transition Issues for the Elderly and Their Families
A clinical psychologist from ec-online.net explores how to realistically view the changes that accompany older age. Tips are given on how to provide your senior parent with a feeling of empowerment as they transition to a residential facility.