Care In A Care Home
Overview
A care home is a residential place where people live and get support with daily tasks like dressing, eating, washing, and taking medicines. Some homes also offer nursing care from registered nurses.
Key facts
- Care homes are not the only option – you can also have care at home with support from services.
- There are two main types: residential homes (personal care) and nursing homes (personal care plus nursing).
- Before moving in, you will have a needs assessment to decide what support is right for you.
Many older people live in care homes, but it is not a normal part of ageing. It is a choice made when a person's needs can no longer be met at home.
Most care home residents are older adults, but younger adults with disabilities or long-term health conditions may also live in care homes.
Symptoms
- Call your local emergency number if someone has a sudden severe injury, chest pain, trouble breathing, a stroke, or is unresponsive.
- Call for emergency help immediately if a person has a serious fall and cannot get up or is badly hurt.
- ⚠See a healthcare provider the same day if there is a sudden change in confusion, a fall without clear injury, or if the person seems very unwell.
- ⚠Contact your local social care team if someone is unsafe to stay alone and you need urgent guidance.
Common symptoms
- Difficulty managing everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or washing
- Frequent falls or feeling unsafe at home
- Confusion, forgetfulness, or difficulty looking after yourself
Symptoms in children
- This topic is about adults. Children are not cared for in adult care homes, but they may live in specialist children's residential settings if needed.
Symptoms in older adults
- In older adults, a need for care home support may show as weight loss, poor hygiene, loneliness, or difficulty remembering to take medicines.
Causes
Main causes
- Physical frailty or a long-term condition that makes daily tasks difficult
- Memory problems, such as dementia, that make living alone unsafe
- Lack of family or community support to provide enough care at home
Risk factors
- Living alone and having no carer nearby
- Getting older, especially over 80
- Having multiple health conditions that need daily monitoring
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- Call your local emergency number in an emergency.
- Seek same-day help for a sudden change in health or mobility.
Book a routine appointment if:
- Talk to a GP or social care team if you or a loved one are struggling to manage at home.
- Request a needs assessment from your local council if you think a care home may be needed.
Diagnosis
No test can tell you if a care home is right for you. It is a decision made after a needs assessment by a social worker or healthcare professional, together with the person and their family.
Tests that may be done
- Needs assessment – a social worker visits to look at what support you need
- Carer's assessment – a separate assessment for family and friends who provide care
- Capacity assessment – if there are concerns about making decisions about care
What to expect at your appointment
The professional will ask about your daily life, health, mobility, and support network. You can ask questions and take time to decide. The goal is to find the least restrictive place that meets your needs.
Treatment
Care in a care home is about supporting your quality of life, not curing a disease. The care plan is personal and reviewed regularly with you and your family.
Self-care at home
- Personalise your room with familiar items and photos
- Get involved in daily activities that you enjoy
- Keep in contact with friends and family – visits help you settle in
Medical treatments
Care home staff can help with medication, mobility support, and monitoring health conditions. They work with your GP, physiotherapists, and other specialists as needed. No specific medicines are recommended here – your healthcare team will decide what is appropriate for your situation.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery itself is not a treatment for needing a care home. However, if you have surgery, the care home can support your recovery and rehabilitation.
Living with this condition
In a care home, your day is structured around meals, personal care, activities, and rest. You are encouraged to keep independence in daily choices – what to wear, what to eat, and how to spend your time.
Lifestyle tips
- Join group activities like music, gardening, or gentle exercise
- Spend time outdoors when possible – even sitting in the garden helps
- Stay social by calling or video-calling relatives
Diet and exercise
Care homes offer balanced meals and snacks. Many homes have exercise sessions, walking groups, or physiotherapy to help keep you mobile and strong.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Moving into a care home can bring mixed feelings – relief, sadness, loneliness, or anxiety. It is normal. Talk to staff, family, or a counsellor if you feel low. You can still have a meaningful and enjoyable life.
Prevention
Moving into a care home is not always something to prevent. But with home adaptations, paid carers, or family support, some people can live at home longer. Regular health checks and social contact also help.
Vaccines
Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines – like flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia – helps prevent infections that can make you seriously ill. Ask your GP or pharmacist about what you need.
Screening programmes
Your GP may offer health checks for blood pressure, diabetes, or osteoporosis. These can help manage conditions that might affect your independence.
Complications
If left untreated
- Without proper care, a person may become malnourished, dehydrated, or develop pressure sores from lying in bed too long
- Untreated loneliness can lead to depression and worsening physical health
- Falls at home can cause serious injuries, like hip fractures
Long-term outlook
With the right care home and support, many residents feel safer, better fed, and more socially connected. You can still enjoy life, maintain relationships, and stay engaged with things you love.
Find support
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Sources and guidance
Sources used for this article include the references listed below.
Last updated: October 20, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.
Guidance may differ by country or region. Confirm local recommendations with a qualified healthcare provider.