Health · Healthcare & Policy · 6 hrs ago
Moving a loved one into a care home can be hard on family caregivers
Moving a loved one into a care home can be difficult for family caregivers, especially after they have provided care at home for a long time.
The transition described here concerns care homes in France, known as Ehpad, where health professionals take over daily care.
Caregivers may feel relief at handing over practical duties while also feeling guilty or as if they are abandoning their relative.
A geriatrician says many caregivers do not ask for help, and about half do not feel supported or do not think to seek support.
Psychologists and other professionals who support caregivers can help them through the change.
Caregivers and care-home staff need to work out their roles together, including when family members visit.
Taking time to adjust can let caregivers leave some practical tasks to staff and focus on their relationship with their loved one.
Moving a loved one into a care home can be a difficult transition for family caregivers.
Galdric Orvoen, a deputy medical director in geriatrics in Paris Centre, says caregivers may feel both relief and guilt.
Caregivers must adjust to a new role as care professionals take over some tasks previously done at home.
Orvoen recommends taking time to find a place in the relationship with the care home and focusing on the bond with the loved one.
About one in two caregivers either do not feel supported or do not think to ask for help.
- Who
- Family caregivers and their loved ones entering a care home; Galdric Orvoen discusses the transition.
- What
- The article examines the emotional and practical challenges of moving a loved one into a care home.
- When
- The article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- In France; the discussion refers to care homes and nursing homes, including Ehpad facilities.
- Why
- The transition changes caregivers’ routines and responsibilities, and can bring relief, guilt and uncertainty about their new role.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
One in two caregivers either does not feel supported or, at any rate, does not think to ask for help.
The caregiver must leave part of the logistics to the professionals to focus on what is essential: the relationship with their loved one.
It is obvious, you feel guilty about abandoning them.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Publication date
- 11 October 2026
- Expert
- Galdric Orvoen, deputy medical director of the Paris Centre geriatrics department
- Caregiver support
- About one in two caregivers do not feel supported or do not think to ask for help
- Recommended focus
- The relationship with the loved one








