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When Might It Be Time for a Care Home?

This guest blog comes from Autumna, a free national advice service that helps people find care options that suit their needs, including care homes and home care. Although they support people across the UK, many families here in East Sussex use their service too.


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The decision to move into a care home is rarely straightforward. Whether you are supporting someone with changing needs or thinking ahead about your own care, it can help to hear from those with experience. Autumna’s team speaks to families every day about what matters most when care needs begin to change.


In this blog, they share advice on how to recognise when more support might be needed, what steps to take, and how to make informed choices that balance safety, dignity and independence.


Please note: this blog shares general information from Autumna and should not replace professional or medical advice. Every person’s situation is different, so please seek advice from your GP, local authority or a qualified adviser before making decisions about care.


How to Tell When More Support Is Needed

It is not always easy to know when someone might need more support. The decision is rarely based on just one thing. Often, it is a mix of physical health, changes in memory, emotional wellbeing and the support available at home.


Physical and medical needs As we get older, falls, mobility problems or ongoing health conditions can make daily life more difficult. If someone needs regular medical help or round-the-clock care, it may be time to look at different kinds of support.


Changes in memory or thinking Confusion, forgetfulness or getting lost can make home feel less safe. If someone is showing signs of memory loss or living with dementia, it can become harder to manage without extra help and reassurance.

Feeling cut off or isolated If someone stops joining in with usual activities or becomes withdrawn, they may be feeling low or lonely. A drop in social contact can affect mood and confidence and may signal that they would benefit from more company and connection.

Carer fatigue Caring for someone else takes time, energy and emotional strength. If carers are feeling stretched or unsure how to keep going, that is a sign to pause and look at other support options. Needing help does not mean you have failed. It means needs have changed.

Spotting these changes early can give you space to talk, plan and explore what feels right.

Helping Someone To Stay Active and Connected

Keeping a sense of routine and connection can make a big difference, even when more care is needed. The aim should always be to help someone stay active in ways that feel meaningful, while offering the right support to preserve their independence and dignity.


Keeping up routines and activities Daily habits like going for a walk, visiting a friend, or joining a regular club can support both mental and physical wellbeing. These small routines offer structure and a sense of purpose. Professional carers can play a valuable role in supporting these moments, balancing safety with encouragement.

Staying part of the community Whether it is a trip to the café, local park or a familiar community space, staying connected helps people feel included and engaged. With support from carers or family, it is often possible to keep visiting familiar places and seeing familiar faces, even as needs change.

Using respite care to take a break Day centres or short-term respite options can offer a welcome change of scene. They provide structured support and activities while giving regular carers a chance to rest. These breaks can ease the transition between home care and full-time residential care, while supporting everyone involved to stay well.

Supporting someone to live well is not about doing everything for them. It is about helping them keep hold of what matters for as long as possible.

When A Care Home Becomes the Right Option


The aim is often to support someone to stay at home for as long as possible, but there may come a time when their needs go beyond what home care can provide. Recognising when this moment comes is important in ensuring that the right level of care is in place and that everyone feels safe and supported.


When support at home is no longer enough

Some health conditions, such as advanced dementia or complex medical needs, require round-the-clock care. If someone is falling more often, needs help with medication, or needs support with personal care that has become too demanding, then a care home may offer a more suitable and safer environment.


Balancing preference with safety Many people want to stay in their own homes, even when their health is changing. But if safety is at risk because of difficulties with daily tasks, confusion, or disorientation, it may be time to consider whether a care home could offer more consistent support while still respecting the person’s routines and preferences.

Getting a care needs assessment A care needs assessment is an important first step in understanding what kind of support is needed. It is usually carried out by a social worker from your local council and looks at daily living, medical needs and overall wellbeing.

The assessment helps identify whether home care, supported housing or a care home might be the best fit. It also looks at eligibility for financial support. Even if someone is not eligible for council funding, the process can still offer helpful insights and guidance for future planning.

Choosing the right care home Not all care homes are the same. Choosing the right one means thinking about the person’s interests, routines and the type of care they need. Some homes offer dementia-specialist care. Others focus on activity and social connection. Visiting in person, meeting the staff and getting a feel for the daily life of the home can help you decide what will work best.

While the decision to move into a care home is significant, it can also bring peace of mind. The right setting can offer comfort, companionship and the support needed to live as well as possible.

For more advice on choosing a care home, you might find Autumna’s blog ‘‘How to choose the best care homes’ helpful.

Understanding Care Choices with Expert Help

Decisions about care are rarely simple. Whether you are trying to plan ahead or respond to a sudden change, it can be helpful to speak with someone who understands the system and can talk you through the options.

Social workers and local care teams can offer advice based on an individual’s needs and situation. Charities and organisations like Autumna also provide free advice lines to help people explore their choices and feel more confident about what to do next.

If you are unsure how to fund care, it may help to speak with a financial adviser who understands care costs. And if you need to talk through legal matters such as power of attorney, a solicitor with experience in care and capacity issues can offer tailored guidance.

Getting help does not mean handing over control. It means gathering the right information to make decisions that feel informed, respectful and right for the person at the heart of it.


If you are exploring care options or want help understanding what support is available, Autumna offers a free national advice service. Their website can help you compare care homes and home care providers in your area, or you can speak directly to their team by calling 01892 33 53 30. Whether you are looking now or planning ahead, they are there to help you find care that feels right.




Editor’s note from Good Company

At Good Company we know these decisions can feel overwhelming. We share guest blogs like this to give you information and options. If you would like to talk through what might be right for your situation, our Concierge team can connect you with local advice and support.

Local support links:


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