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Posted on: 29.01.2021

What To Do If A Relative Refuses To Move To A Care Home?

Moving to a care home is an active choice for most seeking a better quality of life with more support. However, in some circumstances, a person may not want to move into a care home. This could be for a number of reasons, such as they do not want to move out of their home, they are worried about the cost or they do not want to change their routines. All of these feelings are totally understandable, as changing routine and environment can be very challenging and stressful, especially for older people.

That being said, there may be situations or illnesses that arise which mean a person is safer and better supported living in a care home. However, how should you approach this if your friend or relative is adamant they do not want to move into a care home?

In this article, we look at some of the possible circumstances which may lead to an individual requiring the type of support care homes provide, and things you can do to help the process along in regards to your loved one.

Can you force someone to move to a care home?

You cannot force someone who is deemed to be of sound mind and able to care for themselves to move into a care home if they don’t want to.

It is vital that, throughout discussions regarding care, the person’s wants and needs are addressed at all times. That being said, there are a few possible circumstances where a person may have no other choice but to move into a care home. Usually, these are related to preserving the individual’s health, safety and quality of life. And these decisions are made with their best interests at heart.

If A Person Needs 24-Hour Care

Some health conditions require round-the-clock care that can’t be practically carried out in a person’s own home. For example, a person with dementia may need support in clothing themselves, remembering to eat and drink, going to the toilet and keeping safe at night.

While 24-hour care can be delivered in a person’s own home, this can be quite expensive or simply not viable due to equipment needs. In these situations, a needs assessment might conclude that a person would benefit from moving to a care home.

If A Person Does Not Have The Mental Capacity To Make Decisions About Their Care

If a person is deemed not to have the capacity to make decisions about their care, doctors and other health professionals will collaborate with the family to make a decision that is in the best interests of the individual.

Before this can happen, however, there needs to be a reasonable belief that the person no longer has the capacity to make decisions themselves, followed by an assessment showing they don’t. Until that time, under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, it must be assumed a person has capacity.

If a person is deemed to be a risk to themselves or others, they can be sectioned in a care home under the Mental Health Act 1983. However, at the point a person is deemed well enough to no longer be sectioned, they are once again free to make decisions about their care again, including whether they stay in a care home or not.

Convalescence Following Illness

If a person has been ill or injured, doctors can discharge them from the hospital on the condition that they temporarily move into a care home for a period of convalescence. This is known as respite care. If a person refuses this request, a doctor may choose not to discharge them on the basis that they aren’t satisfied that the person has sufficient support in their own homes to facilitate recovery.

The above are all common reasons why a person may have no choice but to move into a care home, either permanently or temporarily.

But what can you do if someone is refusing point blank to remove into a care home but you are still concerned about their safety and wellbeing living alone?

Listen To Their Concerns

It is likely that there is a reason why a loved one doesn’t want to move into a care home. For example, they might not want to change their routines or they are anxious about starting again and meeting new people. They may also feel that their freedom and independence is being taken away from them. As a friend or family member, the best you can do is listen to them and be guided by their choices.

While you may be very keen for them to move to a care home, it is important that they are given the time and space to make a decision for themselves. In these situations, information is power. Be ready to provide information that may allay their fears and actually demonstrate the many benefits of living in a care home. You could also try talking frankly about the things the person can and can’t do, and relating these to how a care home can help. For example, if they enjoy walking but don’t often have someone to go with, does the care home have a walking club they can enjoy?

Start With Short Term Options

You might find that your family member or friend is more receptive to the idea of a care home stay if it is short term. There are a number of short term options like day care and respite care which can be positioned as short breaks or even as a hobby in the short term. With the right care home, a person might be convinced to stay there for the long term.

Consider A Compromise

There are other options available in regards to care, at least for the short term. For example, home care can be an effective way to get your loved one used to being around carers and comfortable with being looked after.

Another option is to look at day care. This is when your loved one is cared for at a residential care home or facility for a certain period of time in the day. This is effective for carers who work in the day, or even as an opportunity for respite. As above, day care can open the door to long term care solutions, especially as your loved one starts making friends or getting used to the care home environment.

Get Help From Lovett Care

We understand that moving to a care home is a big step. Many older adults have lived in the same home for years and cannot even begin to imagine being anywhere else. However, with the right support, lots of people come to understand that there are a lot of benefits to moving into a care home, especially one with the right facilities and community support.

At our care homes, we take great pride in our inclusive and diverse communities. As well as this, all of our purpose-built care homes in Staffordshire, Cheshire and the North West are equipped with modern facilities that promote independence at every turn. Our team of expert carers are also on hand to help where required and to provide emotional support from day one, no matter a person’s health needs.

To find out more about residential, respite and day care from Lovett Care, give us a call today. Our team would be delighted to help you find the best way forwards either for yourself or your loved one.