When your family member moves into a care facility, roles and relationships often shift significantly. Some of these changes include:

• Changes in who does the caregiving (e.g., facility staff taking over)
• Taking on the responsibility for making major decisions
• Learning to care for yourself amidst new circumstances
• Reconnecting with your family member in a new setting

Care Partners Share their Experiences

"After I initiated care from others, what happened [was] I became the daughter again."

"I didn't have to, you know, be on guard all the time, which again was freedom within myself . . . but I looked forward to going up there every day to visit [her]."

"It's like a, uh, permanent part-time job! You know, to a certain degree."

"I hear this all the time: you've got to cut down, you've got to take care of yourself.'"

"Think about what you want to do for yourself. Then I realized, you know what, I don't know what to do anymore.' I'd been looking after my mom and dad, and that's the best I can do."

"I hope there would somehow be some teaching to show the whole family that they must stand together for it to work well. Because even though there's a facility for your loved one, it still takes family to keep that loved one content."

"But I also accept that this is where we are and that there isn't anything you can really do to change the situation other than see him as often as possible and give him support."