Admission of an older person into a care home in Europe: exploring the dimensions of a ‘Healthy Transition’ and the potential role of social work

Transitions in gerontological social work are poorly theorised and underresearched. Although social workers are routinely involved in transitions of older people into care homes, they tend to be treated as a functional transition from one place to another rather than as a social, emotional and psychological process for the older person and their family. Evidence suggests that a healthy transition is more likely if the older person has exerted some influence over the ‘when’, ‘where’ and ‘how’ of the decision, continuity between the ‘old life’ and the ‘new’ is maintained, and their concerns are acknowledged. Drawing on a theory of transition developed by Melies et al. (2000), this paper argues that social workers have the relational, communication and advocacy skills, as well as legal literacy and a rights-based perspective, to help to promote healthy transitions. There is considerable potential to develop, and evidence the value of, social work’s contribution to this often marginalised area of practice.