Changing Care Providers

As the health, abilities or care needs of a person with Alzheimer's or other dementia change, you may need to change care providers. The resources on this page can help with the transition.

Changing in-home care providers
Changing long-term care communities
Transition from the hospital
Transition to hospice

Changing in-home care providers

Know what to expect

A change in care providers or care settings can cause temporary behavioral changes, such as increased confusion. A person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia will need time to adjust.

If you need more home care services or want to change your home care provider, call the Alzheimer's Association at 800.272.3900. We can help you find local providers. Or, search our online Community Resource Finder.

If you want to change the care provider because you are dissatisfied, call and discuss your concerns with the provider. If the issues can be resolved, you may not need to change.

Learn more: In-Home Health Care, Addressing Concerns with Care Providers

Changing long-term care communities

If you're unhappy with one care community, you may want to move the person with Alzheimer’s to another. Be prepared. Moving requires paperwork and time to share information.

If you have concerns about the care at a community and your concerns haven't been addressed, it may be helpful to work with a long-term care ombudsman. Ombudsman help residents of care communities and their families keep their rights and can help with locating a new residence.

Keep in mind that it will take time for the person with dementia to adjust to his or her new home. A person may suffer temporary sleep problems, wandering, falls and appetite changes. Ask how staff can help the person with the transition.

Transferring to a new unit within a care community
If a person needs more care, staff members may decide to move him or her to a different unit. Stay involved in this decision-making process by attending care meetings. Ask how you can help with the move. Afterwards, get to know the new staff members.

What if the person with dementia is asked to leave a provider?

Physical or mental changes may prompt a care community to ask the person to move. If this happens, ask for a new assessment and a care plan meeting. To understand your rights in the discharge process, ask the provider to explain their process or seek the help of the long-term care ombudsman.

Transitioning from the hospital

If the person with Alzheimer’s needs to be hospitalized, ask to speak to a discharge planner before or at admission. This person helps decide what kind of care someone needs after a hospitalization. Sometimes a short stay in a nursing home is needed for rehabilitation before the person is healthy enough to return to his or her previous living arrangement.

Learn more: Hospitalization and Discharge Planning (PDF)

Transitioning to hospice

Hospice is end-of-life care for a person with a terminal illness. The hospice team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, nursing aides, clergy, therapists and volunteers. They aim to relieve suffering and support the patient and family. Your doctor can tell whether you or your loved one is a candidate for hospice care. It's covered by Medicare in all states and by Medicaid in most states.

Hospice care typically occurs at home. But it can also take place in assisted living, a nursing home or hospital. If the person with Alzheimer's has an advance directive, be sure to share it with the hospice team.

Learn more: Hospice Care