The first month in a care home is a time of intense change — for your parent, for you, and for the whole family. This book walks you through those critical weeks with practical, day-by-day guidance that respects your parent as a person, not a problem. You will learn how to prepare for the move, what to look for on arrival, how to build a working partnership with care staff, and how to spot the early signs that things are going well — or need adjustment. The chapters cover emotional reactions on both sides, managing your own guilt or anxiety, supporting your parent's identity and autonomy, handling common medical and medication concerns, and planning the first review meeting. Written from the experienced perspective of an eldercare writer, not a clinician, it routes every policy or funding question to the local authority and every clinical matter to the care team. You will find concrete checklists, sample questions for staff, and gentle reflections on what is normal in that first month. It is not about fixing everything — it is about showing up, staying attentive, and making the transition as human as possible. Part of The Caring for a Parent Library.