When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can be challenging for both them and their family to navigate the next steps. The condition brings a host of emotional and practical concerns, and families often grapple with the best way to care for their loved ones. While some opt for assisted living facilities, others may prefer to keep their loved ones at home with the right guidance and support.
This article aims to explore the best living arrangements for dementia: care homes or home care?
Where is the best place for someone with dementia?
People with dementia often fare better in familiar surroundings where they are surrounded by loved ones, memories, and even pets. Being away from these familiar places and people can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, restlessness, and challenging behaviours. This is one of the main disadvantages of care homes, as they cannot replicate the comfort and familiarity of a home environment. It’s no wonder that 85% of people with dementia express a preference for staying at home. Therefore, dementia care at home should be considered a significant alternative to residential care.
The benefits of home care for people with dementia
There are numerous advantages to providing home care for people with dementia:
- A safer environment: As dementia progresses, individuals may become more prone to falls and injuries. Having a carer at home can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and hospital admissions.
- Familiar surroundings: Living in a familiar environment reduces anxiety and confusion. Familiar objects, photos, and settings can stimulate memory and cognitive functions, providing comfort and security.
- Ongoing companionship: A carer at home provides not only physical support but also emotional companionship. This helps to alleviate loneliness and ensures that your loved one has someone to talk to and engage with.
- Retain independence: Staying at home allows people with dementia to maintain a level of independence by continuing their routines and making choices about their daily activities.
- Engage in meaningful activities: A home carer can help people living with dementia participate in activities they enjoy, such as gardening, arts and crafts, or playing with pets, enhancing their quality of life.
- Affordability: Home care can be more affordable than residential care, as it allows for personalised support tailored to the specific needs of your loved one, potentially leading to significant cost savings.
Are people with dementia better off at home?
Relocating a person with dementia can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and irritability, often referred to as “transfer trauma.” Moving is stressful for anyone, but for those with dementia, it can exacerbate confusion and feelings of insecurity. Keeping people with dementia at home provides peace of mind, and safety, and helps maintain their routines, reducing anxiety and confusion. It also allows them to exercise greater control over their environment, which can enhance their sense of independence.
Live-in home care vs dementia care home
When a loved one with dementia can no longer live safely alone, deciding between home care and a care home can be challenging. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully.
Benefits of dementia live-in care
- Familiar environment: Your loved one remains in their cherished home with all their favourite objects, providing comfort and continuity.
- Personal space: They can enjoy peace and privacy in their own home while still receiving the care they need.
- Routine maintenance: Staying in a familiar environment with a consistent routine can help maintain function and independence.
- Close to family and friends: Remaining in their local area allows for continued visits from friends, neighbours, and family, reducing feelings of isolation.
- One-to-one care: A dedicated live-in carer provides personalised support and attention, ensuring that your loved one’s needs are met.
Drawbacks of dementia live-in care
- Cost: While live-in care can be more affordable than residential care, it still requires a significant financial commitment.
- Household maintenance: Maintaining the home, including bills and repairs, remains a responsibility.
- Personality clashes: Sometimes, the carer and the client may not get along. It’s essential to find a compatible match through a provider with a careful and thorough matching process.
Benefits of residential care for dementia
- Social stimulation: Care homes provide opportunities for social interaction and activities, helping to prevent loneliness.
- 24/7 care: Continuous care and supervision ensure that all needs are met around the clock.
- No household responsibilities: All household maintenance and bills are managed by the facility.
Drawbacks of residential care
- Lack of privacy: The busy environment of a care home can be overwhelming, with limited personal space.
- Staff turnover: High staff turnover can lead to inconsistencies in care and difficulty building relationships with carers.
- Disorientation: Moving to a new environment can be confusing and distressing, especially for those with dementia.
- Set timetables: Adjusting to a care home’s schedule can be challenging for those used to making their own choices.
Home is best for dementia care
Deciding between home care and residential care for a loved one with dementia is a complex and personal decision. It’s important to consider the preferences of your loved one, as well as the practicalities and costs involved. Whichever option you choose, remember that the goal is to ensure the safety, well-being, and quality of life for your loved one. Let go of any guilt and focus on finding the best care solution to meet their needs.
For more information or to explore personalised care options, reach out to a professional dementia care provider. At The Good Care Group, we are committed to providing the highest quality of dementia care tailored to the unique needs of your loved one, ensuring their comfort and security.
Useful resources
To support you and your family, we have created a useful dementia care guide that provides you with information and advice on how to provide person-centred dementia care following a diagnosis of dementia. There are also a number of dementia charities across the UK that provide families with help, advice and support when they need it most, including Dementia UK and the Alzheimer’s Society.
CQC-rated ‘Outstanding’ live-in dementia care
At The Good Care Group, we know receiving care in the comfort, safety and familiarity of your own home has far reaching benefits in improving health and well-being for a person living with dementia. For over 10 years, we’ve helped countless families just like yours receive the dedicated dementia care they need in the place they love most – their own home.
We know how important choosing just the right live-in carer is for you and your family. We will work with you to carefully choose a carer that can meet all your care and support needs, while sharing common interests and backgrounds. Your care team really get to know your loved one’s unique needs, which means they get consistency of care. We know this means life is more enjoyable for everyone.
Contact us for your free, no-obligation home care assessment. We will meet with you and your family at a convenient time to discuss your care needs and how we can help.
Talk to us about your dementia care needs
We are experts in providing a fully managed, high-quality live-in care service rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by CQC. Call our friendly and approachable team today to see how we can help you and your family.
