Moving a Loved One into a Care Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Moving a loved one into a care home is never an easy decision — emotionally, practically, or financially. Whether you’re facing this dilemma for the first time or helping a family member through the process, the questions can feel overwhelming:
- “How do we know it’s time?”
- “Where do we even begin?”
- “Will they be happy and safe?”
Step 1: Recognise the Signs That Care May Be Needed
Before beginning any conversation, it’s crucial to observe and reflect on whether your loved one may benefit from additional support. These signs may emerge gradually, often unnoticed in daily life.
This guide is designed to help you navigate every stage — from recognising the need for care, exploring funding options, visiting homes, to settling your loved ones in comfortably.
Whether you live in Rye, Brede, Peasmarsh, Winchelsea, Camber, Udimore, Northiam, or anywhere in the East Sussex region, this resource offers practical advice and emotional reassurance.
Common indicators include:
- Cognitive decline – forgetfulness, missed medications, confusion about time or place
- Neglect of personal care – poor hygiene, unchanged clothes, messy home
- Isolation or withdrawal – no longer engaging with hobbies or socialising
- Mobility issues – difficulty walking, frequent falls, struggling with stairs
- Poor nutrition – skipping meals, weight loss, or signs of expired food
- Medication mismanagement – missed doses, taking incorrect medication
These symptoms may suggest it’s time to explore full-time support options like residential care or dementia care. Start with an honest family conversation. If needed, contact the GP or adult social care team to request a formal care needs assessment.
Step 2: Understand the Types of Care Available
Once you’ve identified the need, the next step is learning about the types of care available:
- Residential Care – Day-to-day personal care, companionship and wellbeing support
- Dementia Care – Specialised environments for those living with memory loss
- One-to-One Care – Enhanced supervision and tailored care
- Sensory Impairment Support – Help for those with vision or hearing challenges
- Respite Care – Short-term stays to trial care before deciding on a permanent move
Some families find it helpful to start with respite care. It offers your loved one a gentle introduction to care home life before committing to a permanent move.
Step 3: Talk to Your Loved One Early
Start the Conversation with Compassion. Talking about care homes can be emotional. It’s important to approach it gently, listen actively and reassure your loved one that they will remain in control of their choices.
Use “I” statements — “I’ve been worried about your safety lately.”
Involve other trusted family members or professionals (like a GP or social worker) in the discussion if helpful.
Do:
- Frame it as wanting the best for them.
- Emphasise safety, well-being and companionship.
- Offer options rather than decisions.
- Involve them in each step to retain control and dignity.
This is a journey, not a single conversation. Be patient.
Step 4: Researching Options, Online & Offline
Online Tools & Portals:
- CQC Reports: Look at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) report – not just the rating (“Good” is strong), but also inspector comments on staff, safety, responsiveness and leadership.
- Carehome.co.uk Reviews: Use platforms like Carehome.co.uk to read verified reviews from families. Look for high scores (e.g., 9.5+) and consistent praise for staff, facilities and improvements.
- Provider Websites: Look for real photos, activity calendars, staffing information and location details
Offline Research:
- Ask for recommendations through local community groups or faith organisations.
- Check village newsletters, local papers, or parish boards.
- Request brochures and printed materials from 3–5 homes
Step 5: Request a Brochure & Shortlist Homes
Don’t rush into site visits first, request brochures or information packs from your shortlisted care homes. This helps you:
- Gain an understanding of their tone and approach
- Learn about different care types (residential, dementia, respite)
- Review activities, food, staff experience and location
Once you’ve read through, narrow your list to 2–3 homes to visit.
Step 6: Arrange a Visit & Know What to Observe
Visiting the care home is one of the most important parts of this process. Don’t skip it and ideally, bring a checklist.
What to look for:
- How are you welcomed at the door?
- Are staff warm, engaged and respectful to residents?
- Do residents look content and comfortable?
- Are the rooms clean, accessible and well-maintained?
- Are the rooms clean, accessible and well-maintained?
- Is there a clear weekly activity programme?
- Ask about staff training, medical support, GP visits and personal care plans
- If your loved one has dementia, check for dementia-friendly design (e.g., colour-coded areas, memory prompts, clear signage)
Don’t hesitate to ask if you can speak with a current resident or their family, if possible.
Step 7: Involve Your Loved One in the Process
- Visit homes together, if possible.
- Discuss preferences about rooms, routines or food.
- Address concerns with empathy and reassurance.
Change can feel overwhelming. Taking the time to talk things through and allowing space for emotions makes a big difference.
Step 8: Understand the Funding Options
- Local Authority Support: If savings are below the threshold (£23,250 in England), the local authority may help cover some or all care costs after an assessment.
- Private Funding: For those paying out-of-pocket, some homes offer flexible plans or packages.
- Attendance Allowance: This tax-free benefit helps those over 65 with care needs.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: For complex medical needs, full funding may be available via the NHS.
Speak to the care home about help with navigating assessments and funding guidance.
Step 9: Discuss as a Family & Prepare Emotionally
After you’ve visited care homes and gathered information, it’s time to regroup and have an open, compassionate conversation with your loved one and other family members.
What to do next:
- Sit down together and share your impressions honestly
- Show photos or videos if they weren’t able to join the visits
- Talk about the positives — improved safety, social interaction, regular meals and less day-to-day pressure
- Reassure them that regular visits, calls and family involvement will continue
- Listen to their thoughts and concerns with empathy and patience
Tip: In many cases, a short respite stay can serve as a gentle introduction to care home life. It allows your loved one to experience the setting without pressure and gives your family a chance to observe the quality of care in action.
If your loved one seems unsure or hesitant, give them space — and revisit the discussion with reassurance:
- “You’ll still be close to home.”
- “We’ll visit often, just like now.”
- “Let’s try a short stay first and see how it feels.”
Giving your loved one a sense of control and choice helps ease anxiety and builds trust during this emotional transition.
Step 10: Plan the Move Thoughtfully
Once the decision is made, the focus should shift to making the move-in experience as smooth, familiar and reassuring as possible for both your loved one and your family.
Here’s how to make the transition feel like a new beginning, not a loss:
- Personalise the space – Bring along familiar items such as their favourite cushions, family photos, keepsakes, or books to help the new room feel like home.
- Coordinate in advance – Share your loved one’s care preferences, routines and any special needs with the care home team beforehand.
- Avoid rushing – Choose a calm day and avoid cramming too much into the move. Familiar faces and a slow pace can ease anxiety
- Stay a while – If possible, stay for a meal or activity during the first day. This helps your loved one feel more settled and supported.
- Foster familiarity – Introduce them to staff and show them around the new environment together.
- Give them choices – Involve them in selecting clothes, decor and even their preferred move-in date. This reinforces dignity and autonomy.
- Offer consistent reassurance – Remind them that regular family visits, phone calls and outings will continue.
In the days and weeks following the move, visit regularly especially at first. Your presence and positivity will go a long way in helping your loved one adjust to their new surroundings and build confidence in the care team.
This step isn’t just about logistics, it’s about emotional reassurance. A thoughtful, well-planned move can turn an uncertain transition into a hopeful, empowering beginning.
Looking for Elderly Care Near Rye?
If you’re based in Rye, Brede, Peasmarsh, Camber, Udimore, or surrounding villages like Northiam, Tenterden, Wittersham, Appledore, or Biddenden — finding a trusted local care home is key.
One such home is Roselands Care Home, based in the scenic village of Brede.
Roselands is known for:
- A CQC rating of Good.
- A Carehome.co.uk rating of 9.8, backed by real family reviews.
- An Autumna Open Score of 8, reflecting high service transparency.
- A professional, experienced team led by Manager Adriana Porime.
- Beautiful countryside views and a personalised care approach.
- A full activity calendar including themed events, craft sessions, BBQs and movie nights.
There’s no perfect moment to make this decision — but being informed, prepared and emotionally supported can make all the difference. Whether you’re just beginning your research or preparing for the move, we hope this guide has brought clarity and comfort.
Your loved one deserves a life of dignity, companionship and safety. With the right steps and the right care home that is absolutely possible.
