When Should Someone with Dementia Go into a Care Home?

At KYN, we understand that everyone’s experience of dementia is completely unique. Each individual has different dementia care needs, and what’s right for one person may not be for another.

For those living with dementia, there are many benefits of moving into a good care home. Carers and nurses are on call 24 hours a day to offer support. Residents can also take part in a variety of creative and social activities. But how do you decide when someone with dementia should go into care?

In this guide, we will explore the signs that may suggest it’s time for someone with dementia to move into a care home. We’ll also explain how to choose the best care homes with nursing and dementia support.

When Should a Person with Dementia Go into Care?

The right care home can truly enrich the life of someone living with dementia. Specialised dementia care offers unparalleled support and respect. A good residence will maintain your loved one’s identity, dignity and independence, and truly feel like ‘home’.

However, moving someone into a care home is undoubtedly a big step. How do you know when it’s the right decision?

Because every individual has different needs, there’s no universal answer. But broadly, you should consider a care home if you feel that your loved one could be better supported there.  As their needs progress, individuals with dementia may require more involved support. If it becomes impractical to meet these needs at home, finding a good care home can make life easier for everyone. Here are some signs to look out for that may help you make this important decision.

Increasing Support Needs

As you continue caring for your loved one with dementia, you may notice that they begin to need more and more assistance doing things for themselves. For example, they may:

• Require constant supervision when outside of the home
• Need help carrying out day-to-day activities, such as dressing, bathing, eating or making a cup of tea
• Feel increasingly afraid when left alone, or struggle with socialisation 

Eventually, your loved one with dementia may require a level of support that you can’t provide at home. If it’s becoming challenging to dedicate the necessary time to caring for them, this can lead to stress and exhaustion.

In this situation, a good care home could improve life significantly for both you and your loved one. Care homes provide residents with 24-hour care, emotional support, activities and opportunities to socialise. This leaves you free to truly enjoy every moment you spend with them when you visit.

Safety and Wellbeing Concerns

Over time, a person living with dementia may forget which tasks and activities they can carry out independently. This can present safety concerns for dementia home care – especially if you can’t provide 24/7 supervision. A common concern is that a loved one with dementia may leave the house alone and become lost. You may also worry that they’ll hurt themselves while trying to prepare food or drinks, bathe or climb the stairs.

People living with dementia can also experience heightened emotions, including aggression and agitation. You may begin to feel concerned for your loved one’s psychological wellbeing. 

This is a sign that it’s time to find a good care home for dementia: one which prioritises the individual needs, safety and wellbeing of every resident. You’ll rest easy knowing that your loved one is safe, supported and supervised by specialist carers and nurses.

How to Find a Care Home for Dementia

The right care home will be a comfortable, nurturing and inspiring environment that your loved one is proud to call home. When choosing a residence for someone with dementia, it’s important to find one offering dementia care, rather than an assisted living or retirement home.

Care homes with nursing and dementia experience will provide specialised support, which may include:

• Round-the-clock supervision, with staff on call 24/7
• Support with daily activities, such as getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing and eating
• A focus is on supporting residents’ emotional wellbeing and helping them to maintain their identity
• On-site nurses specially trained in caring for people with dementia
• Encouraging regular visits from friends and family
• Dedicated social spaces and organised activities for those living with dementia

Good care homes personalise the support each resident receives. This is called person-centred care. Dementia and its symptoms can differ greatly between individuals, which is why this is so important.

Aim to choose a care home that understands that each individual’s experience and needs are as unique as they are. Your loved one should be encouraged to maintain their independence and engage in activities that interest and inspire them.

KYN Residences: Compassionate, Supportive and Holistic Dementia Care

At KYN, we pride ourselves on providing exquisite care with love.

We take a holistic approach to dementia care, treating each individual’s psychological and physical health as a whole. We’ll thoroughly get to know your loved one’s past experiences, personality, passions and interests to provide an unparalleled standard of individualised care. 

The dementia-friendly spaces in our beautiful care homes provide a calm and enriching environment, designed to stimulate and nurture our residents living with dementia.

To discover how KYN could enrich your loved one’s life, fill in our enquiry form today to request a call, visit or brochure. Alternatively, call us on +44 (0) 20 4530 7700 or email us at enquiries@kyn.co.uk.