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Moving to a new home Moving to a new home, with caregiver France Moreau and psychologist Catherine Mulcair

Entete Balado - Quitter sa maison, avec France Moreau et Catherine Mulcair, psychologue

Leaving home, with caregiver France Moreau and psychologist Catherine Mulcair

Leaving home and moving to a care facility is a deeply emotional step for both the person involved and for their loved ones. It is more than a relocation because it involves grieving the loss of familiar routines, surroundings and sometimes even a part of yourself. This grief may also add to other, cumulative losses the person has experienced. Psychologist Catherine Mulcair and caregiver France Moreau share their advice for navigating this transition with gentleness and dignity.

Our videos are only in French.

Balado - Quitter sa maison, avec France Moreau et Catherine Mulcair, psychologue

3 colonnes quitter sa maison

Before the move	During the move	After the move
Acknowledge the emotional burden Making the decision to help a loved one move into a care facility can be very emotional. It often involves experiencing what is known as “white” grief, or the loss of a person who is still alive but who, due to illness, is changing and is no longer the person you once knew. Prepare the person gently Introduce the idea of moving into a care facility gradually, without confrontation and with sensitivity, and at a pace that respects everyone involved. Get informed Consult specialized resources for support in deciding and organizing the move.	Bring a piece of home Take familiar objects to the care facility and arrange them as they were at home to recreate a reassuring environment. Be attentive to reactions Everyone experiences this new reality differently, so kindness and patience are essential. Accept your limits It’s normal to feel tired, guilty or fearful during this transition. Acknowledge these emotions without shame, and lean on loved ones for support to make this time easier.	Reconnect emotionally Become a daughter, spouse, friend (whatever the role) again, and let go of your old role of full-time caregiver. This allows you to create quality moments, such as looking at photos or going for walks. Take care of yourself Even small actions, such as reading, going for a walk or calling a friend, can help prevent the exhaustion sometimes associated with this pivotal stage. Set new goals Reinvest your energy in your own life, while continuing to nurture your relationship with your loved one.

Before the move

During the move

After the move

Acknowledge the emotional burden
Making the decision to help a loved one move into a care facility can be very emotional. It often involves experiencing what is known as “white” grief, or the loss of a person who is still alive but who, due to illness, is changing and is no longer the person you once knew.

Prepare the person gently
Introduce the idea of moving into a care facility gradually, without confrontation and with sensitivity, and at a pace that respects everyone involved.

Get informed
Consult specialized resources for support in deciding and organizing the move.

Bring a piece of home
Take familiar objects to the care facility and arrange them as they were at home to recreate a reassuring environment.

Be attentive to reactions
Everyone experiences this new reality differently, so kindness and patience are essential.

Accept your limits
It’s normal to feel tired, guilty or fearful during this transition. Acknowledge these emotions without shame, and lean on loved ones for support to make this time easier.

Reconnect emotionally
Become a daughter, spouse, friend (whatever the role) again, and let go of your old role of full-time caregiver. This allows you to create quality moments, such as looking at photos or going for walks.

Take care of yourself
Even small actions, such as reading, going for a walk or calling a friend, can help prevent the exhaustion sometimes associated with this pivotal stage.

Set new goals
Reinvest your energy in your own life, while continuing to nurture your relationship with your loved one.

2 colonnes quitter sa maison

A springboard to a new balance

When her father passed away, France Moreau found herself caring for her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease. Gradually, the daily tasks – dressing, washing, feeding – became overwhelming, until she had to make the painful decision to move her mother into a care facility. France describes the sleepless nights and anxiety of moving day, but also the unexpected relief of seeing her mother surrounded by others, stimulated in her new environment and rediscovering a sense of joy. France was also able to be her mother’s daughter again, rather than primarily her full-time caregiver.

Together with psychologist Catherine Mulcair, she shares strategies for making this transition easier. Leaving home does not erase the person you love. Even amid the loss of their autonomy, there are still flashes of lucidity, tender gestures, and emotional connections that remind you of who they are. Surrounded by care and warmth, they can continue to fully exist within the relationship, and loved ones can also find a new balance.