Helping loved ones move to a nursing home

Deciding to move a loved one into a nursing home is one of the hardest decisions a family can make.

As a clinical nurse specialist and liaison manager at Araglen House Nursing Home, I understand the emotional complexity of this process.

With the right approach, however, the transition can be positive and supportive — for both the resident and their family.

When considering a nursing home, it’s essential to keep the person who will be moving at the centre of all decisions. This is their life, and it’s crucial to give them a voice in the process.

Allow them to express their concerns, preferences, and even help with the research and preparation. Involving them in viewing potential homes and setting up their new room helps them feel empowered and respected.

At Araglen House Nursing Home, we aim to create a ‘home from home’ experience. This starts with making the room as personal and familiar as possible - bringing cherished items like wedding photos, a favourite chair, or a beloved jewellery box can make the new space feel like home. It’s important that the resident feels they are part of the decision, not simply recipients of care.

One of the most important pieces of advice I give families is to consider the timing of the move. Research shows that the earlier a person transitions into a nursing home, the better their long-term outcome.

We understand that families want to keep their loved ones at home for as long as possible. However, waiting until the situation becomes urgent and rushed can make the transition significantly more challenging.

Earlier intervention, however, allows us to implement personalised care plans that can help preserve quality of life, maintain independence, and prevent further physical or cognitive decline. The sooner care begins, the better the chances for maintaining the person’s well-being.

Choosing a nursing home is a deeply personal decision. Location is important - ideally, a facility should be close to family and friends.

However, quality of care should always take precedence over proximity. If a facility slightly further away offers the best care, it’s worth considering.

At Araglen House Nursing Home, we conduct thorough pre-admission assessments, considering the resident’s physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. We also work closely with the resident’s GP, public health nurse, and geriatrician to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their care needs. We always ask, “What matters to you?” to tailor our care plans around the person’s individual preferences and values.

A good nursing home isn’t just about medical care - it’s about community. At Araglen, we believe a nursing home should be a community within a community.

Our aim is to add life to years and years to life by providing meaningful activities that promote engagement and connection, ensuring no one feels isolated.

The emotional transition can be one of the most challenging aspects of moving a loved one into a nursing home. Many families worry that their loved one will feel abandoned or isolated. To ease this, I recommend starting with a trial stay at a nursing home in order to ‘try before you buy’ if possible. This allows both the family and the resident to experience the home and ensure it’s the right fit.

Additionally, starting with shorter stays and gradually increasing the length of visits can help ease the process. Let the loved one visit the home during family visits so they can become familiar with the environment and the staff. Most importantly, stay engaged—frequent communication through phone calls, visits, and involvement in care planning helps the resident feel supported and connected.

A common concern is the financial aspect, particularly around the Fair Deal Scheme, which funds long-term care. Many mistakenly believe their home will be sold to pay for nursing home care. In reality, the Fair Deal calculates contributions based on income and assets, but only a percentage of a person’s estate is considered, and for those with fewer resources, the contribution is lower.

Alternatively, for families facing crisis situations, they can avail of the HSE Emergency Cash Grant.

It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the financial process. By getting the right information and guidance, families can feel more at ease about the financial implications of nursing home care.

Moving a loved one into a nursing home is a difficult decision, but with the right support and preparation, it can be a positive experience for both the resident and the family. By involving your loved one in the process, considering their needs holistically, and selecting the right facility, you can help ensure a smooth and meaningful transition.

The benefits of respite for caregivers has been well-documented.

We look forward to welcoming back returning respite visitors as regular respite subsequently reduces the burden of caregiving and enables people to remain at home for as long as possible, availing of the Carer’s Support Grant to fund the respite.

At Araglen House Nursing Home, we are committed to providing a community of care where each resident is treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Our goal is always to provide care that adds life to years and years to life, and to make sure each resident feels valued and heard in the process.