Lonely Senior – How to Get to a Nursing Home Alone?

Lonely senior – how to move into a nursing home independently?

Introduction

For older people living alone without family support, the path to a nursing home may seem complicated – but it is possible.
Below you will find a clear step-by-step guide: from the first contact with local authorities to moving into a public or private care facility.

Step 1: Assess your needs

What to check first

• Health condition and level of independence (is 24/7 care required?);
• Problems with mobility, memory, hygiene, or taking medication;
• Pension decisions, disability certificates, or other medical documents.

Step 2: Contact local social services

Where to reach out

The first formal step is contacting your local social services office or senior care support center.
They will provide information about available nursing homes, admission requirements, and possible financial assistance.

Step 3: Gather the necessary documents

What is usually required

• Identity card or passport;
• Birth certificate / documents confirming identity;
• Medical certificates, test results, medical history;
• Pension decisions or income statements;
• Disability certificates or care level assessments (if available).

Step 4: Application and social assessment

How the procedure works

After submitting the application, a social worker will carry out an assessment of your needs, independence, and financial situation.
Based on this, a recommendation or referral to a suitable facility will be made.

Step 5: Admission and waiting list

What to expect

Public nursing homes often have waiting lists. After the admission decision, you may be placed on a list, given a date, or offered another facility.
In urgent cases (risk to life, inability to live independently), procedures can be accelerated.

Step 6: Financing the stay

What to know about costs

• In public homes, payment usually depends on income – part of the cost is covered by the pension;
• In some cases, financial support from social services may be available;
• Private homes are more quickly accessible but must be paid for entirely by the resident.

Where to find additional support

Organizations and practical help

• Local non-profit organizations and senior foundations – help with paperwork and moving;
• Information points at municipal or community offices;
• Volunteers – support with documents and applications;
• Online directories of nursing homes – overview of offers and reviews.

Practical checklist – do it today

Main steps

• Contact your local social services office.
• Collect ID documents, medical papers, and income statements.
• Arrange a visit from a social worker or care advisor.
• Check available public and private homes and their admission rules.
• Ask about financing options and subsidies.

Final note

A lonely senior doesn’t have to go through this process “alone” – social workers, volunteers, and foundations often provide support not only with formalities but also with the move and first days in a new home.