Moving them on and in: The Process of Searching for and Selecting an Aged Care Facility

Abstract

This exploratory, descriptive study examined the search and selection process for an aged care facility following discharge of a family member from an acute setting. Few studies have examined this process and its effects on families. Individuals from 25 families where a family member had been recently admitted to an aged care facility following discharge from an acute setting were interviewed. This article reports participants’ perceptions of the search and selection process and its effect on the family. Five major themes emerged from the data: good fortune, wear and tear on the sponsor, dealing with the system, urgency, and adjusting. The results can be used to inform and assist families and health professionals working with families in this situation.