The First Care Review After Moving Into a Care Home: What Happens and What to Ask

A few weeks after the move, there's usually a review to check how things are going. For many families it's the first proper chance to sit down with everyone involved and ask, "Is this working?" It helps to know what to expect, and to go in prepared.

When It Usually Happens

• If the council arranged or helps fund the place: guidance expects the council to review the care and support plan within 6 to 8 weeks of a new placement, then usually at least once a year.
• If they pay for their own care: the council may not be involved, but the care home should still review their care plan regularly. Ask the home when the first review will be.
• If they get NHS Continuing Healthcare: there's usually a review within 3 months, then at least yearly.

You don't have to wait. If something isn't right, you can ask for a review at any time.

Who's Usually There

A social worker or reviewing officer (for council-funded places), someone senior from the home such as the manager or a nurse, your loved one if they're able, and you. It may be in person, by phone or on a video call.

How to Prepare

• Keep a few notes in the weeks before: good days, harder days, anything that worried you, anything that's going well.
• Read the care plan beforehand. Ask the home for a copy if you haven't seen it.
• Think about what matters most to them, not just what's wrong. Food, routines, company, how they like to spend the day.

Questions Worth Asking

• How are they eating, drinking and sleeping?
• Have there been any falls, infections or changes in mood or behaviour?
• Has their medication been reviewed since they arrived, and is everything still needed?
• What do they enjoy here, and who do they get on with?
• Are they in pain at any point, for example when they're being moved or helped with personal care?
• How will you keep us updated, and who should we contact?
• Do their needs still match the funding and type of care in place?

The Bit Nobody Warns You About

Your loved one may tell everyone at the review that they're "absolutely fine" and "can look after themselves". It's very common, and it can leave you feeling you've exaggerated everything. You haven't. Gently add what you've seen, kindly and without contradicting them in front of everyone. That's exactly why your notes help.

After the Review

Ask for a copy of the updated care plan and the date of the next review. If something was agreed, such as a medication review or a GP visit, check a few weeks later that it happened.