Abstract
Background Moving into a care home is a difficult undertaking, and frail older people need support if they are to participate in decisions related to the moving process.
Aim The aim of the present study on moving into a care home was to describe recently admitted older people's stated reasons for moving, as well as their experiences of participation in preparations and decisions. Furthermore, the aim was to study relatives' and home care managers ‘perceptions concerning the move and their own part in the moving process.
Methods Interviews were carried out with 13 older people who had moved into a care home, their relatives (n=10) and home care managers (n=10).
Findings The most frequently reported reasons for moving were insecurity and physical problems. Some older people and relatives felt the information was insufficient and three older people felt ‘left out’ with respect to their participation in the decision to move, but their home care managers were certain that they had participated.
Conclusions Satisfaction with admission was related to the older person's experience of participation in decision-making and achieving a feeling of power and control. The duty of home care managers and nurses is to encourage older people to participate actively in the moving process and to give them rich information.