Moving is possible — but in the right order
A home that is not working is not a life sentence. Only one rule really matters, and it is about sequence: never give notice before you have a confirmed place elsewhere. Doing it the other way round leaves you in the worst position possible.
Step 1: read the contract
Your relative's contract sets the notice period — commonly four weeks, sometimes 28 days — the form it must take, and the terms for returning any deposit or advance payment. Note carefully what continues to be charged after the move: it is the most common unpleasant surprise.
If the fees are paid or topped up by the council, tell the social worker before doing anything: a council-arranged placement is changed through them, not by you alone.
Step 2: search while the current place still exists
Approach six to eight homes while your relative is still safely housed. You search better without pressure, and you can visit properly.
Step 3: what follows the person
The care needs assessment and the financial assessment belong to the person, not to the home: moving does not send you back to square one. Notify the local authority so funding follows to the new home, and check whether Attendance Allowance or other benefits need updating. If NHS Continuing Healthcare is in place, the CHC team must agree the new placement.
Care records, the medication chart and any care plan transfer between teams — ask for them formally, and keep a copy of the medication list yourself.
Step 4: deposit and final invoice
Ask for a written statement of the closing account, check the exact date from which nothing further is owed, and do not let it drift.
If the reason is serious
If you are leaving because of neglect, do not simply leave: write to the manager, and report it to the CQC and to the local authority safeguarding team. Leaving quietly leaves the situation unchanged for everyone still there.
The move itself
A change of environment is tiring, especially with dementia. Bring the familiar things — same furniture, same photographs, same routines — and visit often in the first fortnight.
Finding the next home without losing your evenings
Tell us what went wrong and Curalune Care Help prepares 3–5 matched homes within 24 working hours — with the specific questions that stop the same mistake happening twice.
General information only and not legal advice; your notice period is in the contract. Curalune does not arrange placements and does not guarantee availability.
The starting point, already done
Finding suitable homes, checking they can meet the level of care and gathering the contacts takes days of phone calls. Curalune Care Help gives you that starting point: 3 to 5 suitable care homes within 24 business hours, with contacts, links and a ready-to-send message you can put to all of them at once. £69, one-off: if you don't receive at least 3 homes matching the area and criteria you gave us, we refund you in full. Start here
