I would like to move my father out of his current nursing home to one that is closer to the family. How would I go about doing that?

Find out those closer and contact them and ask
quickest route

Cookie63: Check for vacancies first. Then arrange care meetings.

As an elder care consultant and from my own experience in helping others, moving your father to a nursing home closer to the family requires careful planning to ensure a smooth transition.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Research & Choose a New Nursing Home

Check availability: Call prospective nursing homes in your area to check if they have an open bed that fits your father's needs.

Visit the facilities: Tour the nursing homes and evaluate cleanliness, staff interactions, activities, and care quality.

Check reviews & ratings: Look at Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare website (https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/) for ratings.

Verify services: Ensure the new home can provide the specific care your father requires.

2. Review Admission Requirements

Medical assessment: Most nursing homes require a recent medical evaluation.

Financial arrangements: Ensure the new facility accepts the same payment method (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, or self-pay).

Transfer of benefits: If Medicaid is involved, confirm it will transfer smoothly between facilities.

3. Notify the Current Nursing Home

Review the contract: Check for any notice period requirements.

Inform the staff & administration: They need to prepare discharge paperwork and medical records.

Request medical records: Ensure all records, medications, and personal items are ready for transfer.

4. Coordinate Transportation & Moving Logistics

If your father requires medical transportation, arrange for a medical transport service.

Pack and label personal belongings to prevent loss.

5. Finalize Admission to the New Facility

Complete all admission paperwork.

Provide a list of current medications and care preferences.

Plan for a family visit soon after the move to help with the adjustment.

I hope the above gives you a road map of how to go forward.

Search for places and choose. You should read the contract to determine if he needs a 2 month notice or more. Frequently, if the wait for a bed at 3 months, just notify his current facility to extend. If he is on Medicaid, it will be much more difficult because the best facilities have months on a waitlist. The transport is usually out of pocket. If it is out of state them the stakes are poor

Welcome, Cookie!

Start by identifying the NH you'd like to move your dad to Find out if the have availability, and if they are okay with whatever payment system is in place (Medicaid, Private pay, LTC insurance).

Let the new home initiate the transfer.

Your would personally explore other choices, accurately describe the individual needing care, check with their vacancies.
If your elder is on Medicaid it is another issue. You would add checking if the facility accepts Medicaid patients.
Check on waiting times, and etc.