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CORVALLIS - Making a decision about a nursing home is seldom easy. Yet, thousands of families face this decision each year. The Oregon State University Extension Service has just published a booklet to help families through this important transition.

At least 40 percent of adults over age 65 will spend time in a nursing home at some point, according to Sally Bowman, OSU Extension family development specialist, and one of the publication's authors. It is a topic of growing importance, made even more difficult if a decision must be made quickly at a time of crisis.

Written by a team of OSU gerontologists and family development specialists, the 30-page booklet, "Making Decisions about a Nursing Home," outlines when a nursing home may be the best choice for a family member, who should be a part of the decision, and how to find the best care facility.

Although there are no easy answers to the nursing home decision, this publication gives some guidelines to help people assess the needs and resources within their families, locate community services, and select a quality care facility.

The authors also offer help dealing with feelings throughout the process, what to expect during the transition and how to maintain positive contact with family members who live in nursing homes.

"Making Decisions about a Nursing Home," PNW 563, is available by mail for $3.50 per copy plus $3 shipping and handling. Send your request and check or money order payable to OSU to: Publication Orders, Extension and Station Communications, OSU, 422 Kerr Administration, Corvallis, OR 97331-2119.

Or view it on the web at: http://eesc.oregonstate.edu. Click on "Publications and Videos," then "Family and Home," then "Aging."