This research project deals with the planned or unplanned transition from living life independently in one’s own home to a care facility. This process is generally described as a dramatic life event for people in the third and fourth age, who are the main age group affected by this. The project investigates what contribution design can make so that the quality of life is maintained during the transition phase or when entering a care institution. The knowledge gained from the experience of care home residents is made accessible with participative design methods in order to develop solutions to enable the people affected and their families to structure the transition in a self-determined manner. With the help of a human centred design approach, institutions and organisations are encouraged to question antiquated ways of thinking and procedures and initiate innovative processes. The project has the aim of promoting dialogue with and among the interest groups involved and to guarantee a broad, sustainable influence of design on the structure of the transition.