Moving into a care home is a difficult and big life decision that often requires plenty of thinking and consideration. While the decision to go into a care home is often for the best, it’s not always easy, and not everyone receives it with open arms.

As expected, most people are more comfortable in their homes and would like to spend their golden years there. That means that at times, the decision to move a loved one into a care home may be met with angst, refusal, and it can be an upsetting time filled with hurt, confusion, and anger, which can result in the person resisting the change.

Considering that moving to a care home may be a way to improve a person’s quality of life, is it possible to force them into a care home, especially when it is no longer safe for them to live alone?

When Should You Consider Taking Someone Into a Care Home?

One of the ways to reduce friction when taking a loved one to a care home is to pick the right time to take them into the home. There are various circumstances that constitute a good time to take your loved one into a care home, including the following:

They Require 24-hour Care

Some elderly people may require support from family members or friends to live independently, such as help with shopping, cleaning and cooking. However, when these needs increase and the individual is experiencing mobility difficulties or dementia, they may need more round-the-clock care that their family and friends may not have the capacity to provide.

At this point, you should consider a care home to ensure that your care needs are met and that you have someone who can supervise and support you to make sure you feel safe and secure at all times.

They Do Not Have the Mental Capacity to Make Their Own Decisions

With age, your mental health deteriorates, and conditions like dementia can pose serious mental health issues or disability. Your doctor or healthcare professional may discuss care home options with your family. Typically, the person in question will have a medical assessment to determine whether they are mentally capable of making decisions. If not, it may be in the best interests of your loved one to have them go to a care facility.

They Require Respite Care

Any individual who has undergone a major surgical procedure or a hospital stay may be discharged to a care home to receive respite care. A care home can provide the necessary care without putting too much strain on the family and friends of the patient.

They Have Funding Issues

Home care can be costly, and most elderly people rely on funding from the local authority to cover the costs of their housing and support. It is often more cost-effective to pay for residential care than to hire an in-house caregiver. Social services or the council may require you to move into a care home to make financing more feasible and ensure you get the care you need.

Can a Person Be Forced into a Care Home in the UK?

Although the circumstances might be right to consider placing an elderly person in a care home, they may not be open to the idea. The next question would be if it is possible to force them into a care home, especially if they are capable of making their own decisions.

Legally, it is not possible to force someone into a care home. However, institutions like Social Services or the hospital may recommend that you consider nursing care. But you cannot be forced to do anything against your wishes if you’re mentally capable of making your own decisions.

Can Social Services Force Someone into a Care Home?

Social Services cannot forcefully take you into a care home. If you’re mentally capable of making decisions, you have every right to decide whether you want to shift to a care home or not. If necessary, you can arrange for professional care at home instead of going into a care home.

However, when Social Services is involved, they have their part to play. They can assess your needs as an elderly person and can only force you into a care home when your care needs are not being met at home. It is the responsibility of Social Services to place you in an environment where they believe you will be safe and your needs will be met.

When Can Social Services Take Action?

Social Services has various obligations involving the care of older people, which include placing them in a care home. Local authorities have the authority to make the decision about moving someone into a care home against their wishes under the following circumstances:

  • If the older person’s care needs are not being met at home
  • If the older person poses a threat to the safety of other people in the home
  • If the person is incapable of making decisions for themselves about their care

Generally, older people can choose where they want to live, and local authorities must follow their guidance in this matter. Also, any decision taken must meet the interests of the older person by all means and measures.

Can Family Members Force Someone into a Care Home?

If an elderly person refuses to accept the help and care they need, it can leave the family members in a difficult position, feeling powerless and worried about their welfare.

If the elderly person is mentally fit to make all the decisions regarding their care and is able to care for themselves, it is not legally possible for family members to force them into a care home. However, the same cannot be said for Social Services. They have a duty of care and can place you in a care home if they decide that your needs are not being met in your own home.

Conclusion

Moving to a care home can be a sensitive subject for many families, even though it is often the best decision in many cases. Having your loved one go against the idea can be challenging, and even though the family cannot force them to go into a care home, Social Services can.