How to Choose a Care Home for Dementia

Finding the right care home for a loved one living with dementia can feel overwhelming, but with careful consideration and planning, you can find a residence that provides compassionate, specialised care.

The decision to move a family member into residential care is never easy, and when dementia is involved, the choice becomes even more complex. You want to ensure your loved one receives the highest quality care whilst maintaining their dignity, comfort, and sense of identity.

This blog explores the key steps in choosing a dementia care home, from understanding different types of care to visiting potential homes and making your final decision. We'll help you navigate the practical considerations such as location, costs, and care quality ratings, whilst also addressing the emotional aspects of this significant transition.

What Types of Care Homes Are Available for People with Dementia?

Some homes offer both residential and nursing care. The needs of the person living with dementia will influence the type of care home you choose. Understanding the distinction between different care options will help you make an informed decision about which environment best suits your loved one's needs.

• Residential care homes provide accommodation, meals, and assistance with daily activities such as washing, dressing, and medication management. These homes are suitable for people who need support with everyday tasks but don't require medical care from qualified nurses.
• Nursing homes, on the other hand, have qualified nurses on-site 24 hours a day to provide medical care alongside personal care. This option is more appropriate for individuals with complex health needs or those living in the later stages of dementia who require ongoing medical support.

While all care homes offer accommodation and personal care, there are specialist types of care homes that offer extra services for residents with greater needs. Specialist dementia care homes are specifically designed to meet the unique difficulties of cognitive decline, with staff trained in dementia care techniques and environments adapted for safety and comfort.

When Should You Start Looking for a Dementia Care Home?

It is advisable to start looking early so you do not have to make a decision in a sudden crisis situation. Beginning your search before care becomes urgently needed allows you to thoroughly research options, visit multiple homes, and involve your loved one in the decision-making process whilst they're still able to express their preferences.

There are several circumstances that might prompt you to consider residential care. Reasons for considering residential care might include:

• Difficulty managing multiple health conditions in the person living with dementia and/or those caring for them
• Worries about the person's safety, or the safety of yourself and others · the person rejecting help from you and other carers
• The person finding it increasingly difficult to cope with daily living, eg neglecting their home and/or themselves
• The person feeling anxious and unsettled in their own home and/or not recognising that they are at home

How Do You Find Suitable Care Homes?

Beginning your search requires gathering information from multiple sources to create a comprehensive list of potential homes. Here are the most effective ways to find dementia care homes in your area:

Using Official Resources

You can also use the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website, which features a handy tool for finding and filtering care services. The CQC regulates all care homes in England and publishes inspection reports that rate homes from 'inadequate' to 'outstanding'. You can find inspection reports online or ask the care home directly.

Seeking Personal Recommendations

You can also ask friends, family, and other local people (such as members of carers' support groups) if they have any recommendations. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day reality of different care homes, though remember that each person's needs and preferences are unique.

Consulting Local Authorities

Your local council can provide lists of care homes in your area and may offer guidance on homes that specialise in dementia care. They can also arrange a needs assessment to help determine the level of care required.

What Should You Look for When Visiting Care Homes?

Visiting potential care homes is perhaps the most crucial step in your selection process. When visiting care homes, look for a warm welcome and a homely atmosphere. Use your senses – how does it smell? Is it warm enough?

These initial impressions can tell you a great deal about the care environment.

During your visits, observe how staff interact with current residents. Do they seem patient, kind, and respectful? Notice whether residents appear comfortable and well-cared for. If possible, talk to the other residents, relatives and staff about their experiences of the home.

Important questions to ask during visits include:

• Staffing and Training - How many staff are on duty during different shifts? What specific dementia care training have they received? Understanding staff qualifications and ratios helps ensure your loved one will receive appropriate support.
• Activities and Engagement - Are residents involved in the home's daily activities and routines, eg helping to prepare food, lay tables, do gardening? Is there access to books, board games, radio, TV, puzzles, a piano etc? Meaningful activities are essential for maintaining quality of life for people living with dementia.
• Medical Support - How does the home manage medical appointments and healthcare needs? Is there regular GP access? Understanding healthcare provision ensures continuity of care.
• Flexibility and Personalisation - Can residents maintain their own routines and preferences? Good dementia care homes support individual choices whilst providing necessary structure and safety.

How Can KYN Support Your Journey?

At KYN, we understand that choosing a dementia care home is one of the most significant decisions families face. Our luxury care homes provide specialised dementia care in beautiful, thoughtfully designed environments across London.

We believe in honouring each resident as an individual, creating personalised care plans that support independence whilst ensuring safety and wellbeing. Our dedicated Dementia Lead offers tailored advice throughout your loved one's journey, providing the reassurance and expertise families need during this transition.

To discover how KYN can support your loved one with compassionate, specialised dementia care, contact us today. Call +44 (0) 20 4530 7700, email enquiries@kyn.co.uk, or request a brochure to begin exploring the possibilities for exceptional care.