How to Talk to a Loved One About Residential Care

Residential care provides round-the-clock support within a safe and comfortable environment. A good care home will also provide access to great facilities, activities and enrichment opportunities. If your loved one needs assistance with day-to-day living, moving to a care home may greatly improve their quality of life.

To encourage someone who needs residential care to move into a care home, the first step is to talk to them. Bring up the subject in a gentle, pressure-free way, and listen to their feelings with empathy and understanding.

In this guide, we'll discuss how to talk about residential care with your loved one. We'll also share some helpful resources for care home advice.

Assessing Your Loved One’s Needs

Before bringing up the subject of residential care, assess your loved one's needs. This will help you determine what kind of support they require. You can also contact their GP or Social Services department if you feel they may be at risk in any way.

Moving a parent into a care home could be a sensible decision if they are at risk of harm or becoming neglectful of their health and wellbeing. It may also be beneficial if they are struggling to carry out everyday tasks, such as:

• Getting in and out of bed
• Dressing and bathing
• Taking medication
• Keeping up with housework
• Preparing meals
• Engaging in hobbies
• Socialising with others

At residential care homes, carers are on call 24 hours a day to assist with all aspects of daily living. Residents also enjoy regular meals, organised activities and plenty of opportunities to socialise.

If you think residential living would safeguard your loved one’s health and wellbeing and improve their quality of life, it may be time to talk to them about it.

Broach the Subject Early

It's best to broach the subject of care homes early, rather than waiting until a crisis occurs. This will help your loved one get used to the idea of residential care before the time comes. In addition, you will be better prepared and have more time to explore all the possible options.

Start by beginning a discussion in a hypothetical way, at a time when they are happy and relaxed. Ask casual questions to gauge their opinions on residential care and their current needs. Make it clear that you’re not telling them what to do.

If your loved one is resistant to the idea of going into a care home, don't press the issue. Give them some time and space to think before bringing it up again.

Listen with an Open Mind

The idea of transitioning to residential living can be daunting. Your loved one may express many concerns about leaving their home and getting used to a new environment.
It's important to listen with an open mind and try to see things from their perspective. Address each of their questions sincerely, rather than dismissing them.

For example, if your loved one is worried about feeling lonely, reassure them that you will visit them regularly. Many care homes, including KYN, encourage residents' friends and family to visit, dine and join in with activities.

Stay Positive

It's normal to have mixed emotions about putting someone into a care home. But whenever possible, stay focused on the positives of the situation. After all, this is an opportunity for your loved one to enjoy a new, reassuring and exciting stage of life in a safe and supportive environment.

Approach each conversation with a positive attitude and highlight all the benefits that residential living can bring. If they become upset or angry, try to remain calm. Reassure them that their feelings are important, and that you will not make any decisions without them.

Let Your Loved One Take the Lead

Rather than viewing this as "putting someone into a care home", let your loved one take the lead. This is a decision that they should make themselves, so keep them as involved as possible. For example:

• Encourage them to look through websites and brochures with you, and ask their friends for care home advice and recommendations
• Help them put together lists of questions that they would like to ask the staff
• Take them to visit the residences that most appeal to them – you could even arrange a short respite break
• If possible, your loved one should have the final say on where they would like to live, and when to move in

When the time comes, help them prepare for the move as thoroughly as possible.

Reach Out for Support

Learning how to help someone move into a care home while respecting their independence is not always easy. Though it is an exciting and reassuring opportunity to improve your loved one’s quality of life, it is a big step.

Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family and professionals for support if necessary. If your loved one is feeling anxious about the move, their doctor may be able to arrange talking therapy (counselling).

You can also contact the care home if you have any questions or concerns. They will be happy to advise you on how to organise a place in a care home or prepare for the move.

Choose KYN for Residential Care

At KYN, we understand how much your loved one’s health, happiness, safety and independence mean to you. That’s why we strive to deliver unparalleled standards of care in beautiful, uplifting environments.

We aim to enrich the lives of everyone who joins our homes through supporting physical health, engaging the mind and nourishing the spirit, whilst supporting the person to maintain living exactly how they prefer. We get to know each of our residents individually, tailoring their care and experience of the home according to their needs, choices, lifestyle and personality.

Request a brochure, visit or call today by filling out our enquiry form. Alternatively, call us on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk.