Choosing residential or nursing care can be emotional. You might feel like you're letting someone down, but recognising your limits is important. If the person you support needs more help than you can give, arranging the right care is a thoughtful and responsible step.

Before making a decision, speak to social care about assessments for both you and the person you support. There may be extra help available at home, like equipment, adaptations, or short breaks. Talk openly with the person you support. They may be more ready than you expect, and together you can explore what feels right.

Even after someone moves into a care home, you may still be entitled to a carer’s assessment. Many carers continue to help with personal tasks or spend time at the home. Speak to staff early on about how you’ll stay involved and what support you can offer.

If you’re employed, you have the right to request flexible working. This can help you balance your job and caring responsibilities. ACAS offers guidance on how to make a request and what to expect.

Living in a care home doesn’t affect someone’s right to make decisions. If they lose capacity, they may have set up a Lasting Power of Attorney. Advance Care Planning helps people prepare for future care and treatment choices. If no legal arrangements are in place, professionals will make decisions in the person’s best interests, but your views should still be considered.

Compassion in Dying has information about making informed decisions for the future.

Care homes may charge for their services. A financial assessment will decide how much the person you support needs to pay. This can include income, savings, and property.

Independent Age offers clear advice on how this works..

Some benefits continue after someone moves into a care home, but others may stop after 28 days—especially if public funds are used. This may also affect your Carer’s Allowance.

MoneyHelper offers clear, impartial advice on money and pensions. It includes a benefit calculator to help you find out what you could be entitled to.

If you’re worried about the care home, speak to the manager first. Every home must have a complaints process.

To find out about care home standards or to make a further complaint about a service, contact the Care Quality Commission.

If the service is provided by the NHS, ask your local health authority for a copy of their complaints procedure. If, at the end of the complaints procedure, you are still unhappy, you may be able to take your case to the Health Service Ombudsman.