Advice

When a person with dementia has to move to a different care home

There are many reasons why a person with dementia may need to move to a new care home. For example, their care home may be closing or their dementia may have progressed, so they need more specialist support. 

But whatever the reason, it can be a stressful situation for both the person with dementia and for family and friends supporting them. 

Needing specialist care 

Dave63 says, ‘After two years, Mum’s home couldn’t manage her increasingly erratic behaviour and it was agreed she should move to a home more experienced with behavioural issues. 

‘We moved her but, due to safeguarding concerns, we had to move her again within four weeks. 

‘The third home turned out to be the perfect place. It’s a nursing home and has no EMI [elderly mentally infirm], but the team are proactive in identifying a person’s needs and ensuring they get help from relevant professionals. 

‘Mum’s still there three years later. I wouldn’t say she’s happy but, to be honest, she wouldn’t be happy anywhere. 

She grieves for the life she had and that’s never going to change. 

‘No matter where a loved one may end up in, it’s always hard to watch the illness take them away.’ 
 

Moving to a new area

Sarasa says, ‘I moved Mum because I’d moved 140 miles away and couldn’t get to her quickly in an emergency. 

‘I looked at a few homes but chose one that looked like her old place. The new care home suggested a private ambulance service for the move, and they were great. 

‘Mum settled in quickly and, although her dementia was too advanced for her to join in with things, she seemed content and I’m not sure she realised she’d moved.’  

Broadwaylass says, ‘My partner has vascular dementia and, after a long, tortuous period, he was admitted to a care home. At first, it seemed OK but over time I noticed the quality of care was declining. 

‘I decided to transfer him to another home 400 miles away and move myself. He has settled in well. 

The problem I’ve had is that his details were not transferred to the new care home. 

‘So, no care plan, records or social services information followed him. I’ve had to start from scratch with all, which has been time-consuming and stressful.’  

Closure of care home

CEM29 says, ‘My mum’s dementia care home closed and we had 12 weeks to find her somewhere else, which was stressful. She had been there 13 years and, although it had deteriorated, it was her home.

‘I eventually found her a suitable care home that was acceptable to her funding team, and she’s been there eight months. 

Reflecting on the experience, I would say: calm down and take a deep breath.

‘Make more than one visit before deciding, read reviews, talk to staff and not just management, chat with other visitors if you can.’ 

Challenging a move

Mr.A says, ‘Unfortunately, I lost my dear wife over two years ago after 18 months in care. When her condition was worsening, it was decided that she needed greater care. Her home demonstrated they could provide this, but social services said it would be too costly.

‘I offered to pay the additional fees because I did not want her moved. However, I was told that I could not afford it and she would have to move. 

I fought to ensure that she stayed because I knew that a move would be detrimental. 

‘I asked for help from a local councillor who has responsibility for social care and there was a change of heart – I was told she could stay. 

‘Not wishing to upset the apple cart, I did not ask why but I am convinced that a wrong assessment had been made about our financial situation. It is worth bearing in mind if you face a similar situation.’