&NA;Alzheimer's families rarely relinquish the caregiver role at the door of a residential or nursing care facility. Sadly, most families report little immediate “relief” when they admit a family member with Alzheimer's disease. For many families, it is their single most difficult transition. They experience helplessness, guilt, grief, anger, frustration, isolation, and sadness. Spouses and adult children, in particular, face complex and ambiguous challenges as they retain responsibility for what happens to a loved one while simultaneously losing control of daily life of a family member as a “resident.” How can staff help families through the difficult transition and adjustment? What are the advantages for staff, residents, and families when families “join” the care team? This article offers practical tips for successful staff‐family communication from moving in through visiting and end‐of‐life care.