stage: 5

Moving a parent from one care home to another — when it's necessary and how to do it carefully

Yes, a person with dementia can be moved from one care home to another, though the transition needs to be handled carefully to minimise disruption. Common reasons for moving include concerns about care quality, a home closing, a change in needs that the current home cannot meet, or the person no longer being able to afford the fees. The move itself can cause a period of disorientation and distress, similar to the original admission. Careful planning helps — bringing familiar objects, ensuring staff at the new home are briefed in detail, and keeping family visits frequent in the early weeks. If the move is due to concerns about care quality, raising those concerns formally before moving gives the home the opportunity to respond and creates a record. Seeking advice from social services before making a final decision is recommended.