National Care Standards: Care Homes for People with Mental Health Problems

19 Moving on

Introduction to standard 19

For some people the care home is not a 'home for life'. You may decide to leave the care home to live elsewhere, for example, to be closer to a relative or friend, or to live more independently.

If such a move is to be successful, you must be able to take your time choosing where you move to. You must be supported by the people around you. You should be fully involved in the discussions about and the planning of your move in all circumstances.

Moving on

Standard 19
You are involved in plenty of time in planning and discussing the best way to prepare for you to move on. The planning and discussion also involve your carer, representative (or both) and the staff at the care home.

1 You can visit the place you are moving to and keep your current accommodation while you make a decision about moving.

2 You have the opportunity to keep up friendships.

3 You are involved in assessing the possible risk for yourself or others if you move.

4 If you have to leave because the home can no longer provide for your needs or has to close, the move will involve the least amount of risk and disruption to you.

5 Your records will be passed on quickly to your new service provider. They will be complete and up to date, and will have been put together with your involvement and agreement.