If you need to find a care home urgently — after a hospital discharge, after a crisis, after a fall — here's who to call and in what order.
The key message: you almost certainly have more time than it feels like. Even in an urgent situation, there are people whose job it is to help you. You don't need to solve this alone in the next hour.
Step 1: If Your Parent Is in Hospital
Talk to the Hospital Discharge Team. Ask the ward nurse to connect you — every NHS hospital has one.
Before your parent is discharged, request a Care Act assessment. This is your legal right under the Care Act 2014. The assessment determines what care is needed and whether the council will help fund it.
You have the right to a safe discharge. The hospital should not send someone home — or into a care home — without a proper plan in place. If you feel pressured, say clearly: "I would like a Care Act assessment before discharge."
Do not sign a care home contract under time pressure. If you're unsure about how care home costs work or who pays for care, that's a reason to pause — not rush.
Step 2: If Your Parent Is at Home in Crisis
If the situation is urgent but not a medical emergency:
- Call the GP — ask for an urgent referral to Adult Social Services
- Call your council's Adult Social Services directly — every council has a duty team that handles urgent cases
To find the number: search "[your council name] adult social care" online. The duty team can arrange an emergency needs assessment, and in some cases, emergency respite care while longer-term options are explored.
If it is a medical emergency, call 999 first.
If Your Parent Has Dementia
Urgent situations involving dementia need particular care. A parent who refuses to leave home or who is found wandering may need a specific type of placement. Mention dementia to every professional you speak to — it affects what type of home is suitable and what funding may be available.
Step 3: Free Help Available Right Now
These organisations can help you work out the next steps immediately:
- Age UK helpline: 0800 678 1602 (free, 8am–7pm, 365 days)
- Carers UK helpline: 0808 808 7777 (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm)
- Alzheimer's Society: 0333 150 3456 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm; Sat–Sun, 10am–4pm)
- Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 8848
- NHS 111: Free, 24 hours — for medical advice when it's not a 999 emergency
These are free, confidential services staffed by people who deal with exactly this situation every day.
Step 4: Weekends, Bank Holidays and Out-of-Hours
Emergencies don't wait for Monday morning. If you need help outside normal hours:
- Council emergency duty teams operate evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Call your council's main number and follow the out-of-hours prompts.
- NHS 111 is available 24/7 and can direct you to local services.
- Hospital Discharge Teams have reduced weekend staffing but should still be contactable through the ward.
- Age UK's helpline (0800 678 1602) operates 365 days a year.
If your GP surgery is closed, the 111 service can arrange an out-of-hours GP visit if needed.
Step 5: Temporary vs Permanent — You Don't Have to Decide Yet
One of the most important things to understand: an urgent placement does not have to be permanent.
Many families use a respite stay — typically 1 to 4 weeks — while they research longer-term options. This buys time to check care homes properly online without leaving your parent unsafe.
Ask the hospital, council or care home about:
- Short-term respite beds — many care homes keep beds available for this
- Reablement services — council-funded short-term support at home after hospital discharge
- Intermediate care — NHS-funded temporary care (up to 6 weeks, free of charge) to help someone recover before a permanent decision is made
You can always move to a different care home later — our data-driven comparison framework can help when you are ready to research properly. Check the notice period in any contract before signing.
What NOT to Do Under Pressure
When time feels short, it's easy to make decisions you'll regret. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don't sign a contract with the first care home you find. Even in an urgent situation, you usually have more time than it feels like.
- Don't pay a deposit before visiting. Any home that demands money before you've seen the place is a red flag.
- Don't believe "this place will be gone tomorrow." That's a pressure tactic. Good care homes don't operate this way.
- Don't assume you have to pay full price. Ask about funding options — NHS Continuing Healthcare, Funded Nursing Care, and council support exist precisely for these situations.
- Don't make the decision completely alone. Call at least one person from the list above — even a 15-minute conversation can clarify your options.
Emergency Packing Checklist
If your parent is being admitted urgently, here's what to bring in the first bag:
Essential:
- Current medication and a medication list (ask the GP or hospital for a printout)
- Glasses, hearing aids, dentures — with cases
- Comfortable day clothes and nightwear (labelled with their name)
- Basic toiletries
Important documents:
- NHS number
- GP name and surgery details
- Next-of-kin contact details
- Any existing Power of Attorney documentation
Comfort items:
- Family photos
- A favourite blanket or cushion
- A book, magazine or puzzle they enjoy
The care home will provide bedding, towels and meals. You can bring more personal items once they've settled.
Getting a Quick Shortlist Based on Evidence
Our free report is generated in 10 minutes and shows 3 checked care homes near you — with CQC quality ratings, pricing context, and financial stability information. If you're in an urgent situation, it's one of the fastest ways to get a starting shortlist based on evidence rather than panic.
Get your free care home comparison report →
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