stage: 4

There's no obvious moment. Here's what to look for when you're not sure it's time yet

There is no single moment that determines when a care home becomes the right choice. It is usually considered when the person's needs can no longer be met safely at home, either because care needs have become too complex or intensive for family carers to manage, or because the person needs round-the-clock supervision. Key indicators include repeated falls, significant wandering, inability to manage personal care, unmanageable challenging behaviour, or rapid physical decline. Carer burnout is also a legitimate and important factor. A social services care needs assessment is the recommended starting point.