Can someone be forced into a care home against their will?

If someone has mental capacity, they cannot be forced into a care home against their wishes. The right to make your own decisions — including ones others consider unwise — is protected by law. If someone lacks mental capacity, a move to a care home must go through a formal best interests process and a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard must be in place. The only circumstances where someone can be compelled to move are very limited and involve specific mental health legislation. Family members cannot force a move, and neither can social workers, unless the legal conditions are met.