Most commonly, people move into care because deterioration in health and management of their care makes it too difficult to remain at home. While you don't need an assessment to access residential care if you are fully paying for the services out of your own pocket, it can be useful to be assessed by an authorised service; it may help identify unaddressed medical issues, and also potentially give you access to some public funding to help pay for your care.
Below are five typical situations that often lead to residential care:
Mr T - gradual decline and growing isolation
Mr T is a widower who has slowly been declining in health. Although he has known a move might eventually be necessary, and a recent assessment showed he was eligible for residential care, he has put off taking action. Over time, he has been becoming increasingly isolated - friends have either died or moved on, and even with professional home support, he is finding it hard to manage. He experiences frequent falls, and his children (who live elsewhere) worry about him, as he won't go and live with any of them. Things are coming to a 'head'.
Miss D - sudden health change with no family support
Miss D lived an active, independent life until a sudden severe stroke changed everything. Residential care wasn't something she had ever imagined needing, and without family support, she now requires a higher level of care than can be provided at home.
Mrs G - loss of a primary caregiver
Mrs G has a significant disability and relied heavily on daily support and care provided by her husband and formal services. When her husband died unexpectedly, the support structure around her collapsed, leaving residential care as one of the only safe and sustainable options.
Mrs K - planned and considered transition
Mrs K is an example of someone who has thoughtfully prepared for residential care. She has researched options over the years and even tried short-stay services in the past, so knows what to expect. She is eligible for residential care and now feels the time has come to make the move. She looks forward to companionship, support, and relief from the responsibilities of maintaining her own home.
Mr B - dementia and increasing care needs
Mr B lives with dementia, and as his symptoms have progressed, caring for him at home has become increasingly challenging. He wanders, become disoriented, and becomes very distressed when others try to help him. Family members say they are at their "wits end". After a specialised assessment, it's been determined that he needs a level of secure dementia care that can't be provided at home.
It is important to note that having dementia does not automatically mean someone requires residential care. Eligibility is determined through a specialised assessment, which also helps decide whether secure dementia care or general rest home care is more appropriate.
Other reasons - emotional and safety-related concerns
In rare cases, people enter care for reasons related to personal security or emotional wellbeing. For example, someone who has experienced a traumatic event - such as a home invasion - may no longer feel safe living alone and may choose the comfort and reassurance of a supported environment.
Updated: 4 Dec 2025