Use this guide when a relative can no longer manage safely at home even with support, or when a hospital team says they need residential or nursing care. Have their GP and medication details, a summary of their care needs and, if relevant, any lasting power of attorney.
Step by step
Get a needs assessment first
Ask the local council's adult social care team for a care needs assessment, which is free whatever your relative's savings. It will say whether they need residential care, nursing care or specialist dementia care, which narrows your search. If they are in hospital, ask the discharge team who is arranging this and whether NHS continuing healthcare screening has been considered.
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