When Should Someone with Dementia Go Into a Care Home?

A resident being helped by a nurse

Deciding when a person with dementia should move into a care home is one of the most difficult decisions a family can face. Dementia affects not only memory but many aspects of daily living, and as the condition progresses, it can become increasingly challenging for family members or carers to provide the right level of care at home. Understanding when the time is right and knowing how to make the transition as smooth as possible can help ensure the person with dementia receives the best care and support while also improving their quality of life.

How Dementia Progresses and Affects Daily Living

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects the brain’s mental capacity and ability to function, leading to memory loss, difficulties with communication, and changes in behaviour. Over time, people with dementia may struggle with tasks that once came easily, such as preparing meals, managing personal care, or remembering familiar items and surroundings. In some cases, these challenges can place significant strain on family members or carers, who may be unable to offer the support the person needs to live independently.

While every individual’s experience of dementia is unique, certain signs and circumstances may indicate it’s time to consider dementia care in either a residential care or nursing care setting. Before moving in, care homes will create a personalised care plan that outlines the needs and preferences of their residents to ensure they can maintain their independence for as long as possible whilst providing first-class care.

Residents in the garden

4 Signs It Might Be Time to Consider a Care Home

Knowing when to seek the help of a care home can feel overwhelming, but we have outlined 4 key signs to look out for that suggest the person with dementia may need extra support:

1. Personal Care Needs Are Increasing

As dementia progresses, a person may become unable to manage basic personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, or moving around freely. If family members or carers observe them struggling to uphold their personal care or notice signs of neglect, such as poor hygiene or significant changes in diet, it may be time to consider a care home.

2. Safety Concerns Are Growing

Memory loss and confusion can often lead to safety risks in the home. For example, a person with dementia may leave the hob on, wander outside and become lost, or forget to take essential medications. Care homes are designed to provide a safe environment where care staff are always on hand to manage these risks.

3. Carer Burnout

Providing care for a loved one with dementia is a significant responsibility, and it’s not uncommon for family members or carers to feel exhausted, stressed, or even overwhelmed. When the caring role becomes too much to manage, moving somebody living with dementia into a care home would be in their best interests—and the best interests of their carer.

4. Mental and Physical Health Concerns

It is important to remember that dementia can affect more than just the cognitive functions of an individual, it can also impact their physical and mental health. Individuals can often feel more isolated which can lead to a decline in their overall well-being and an increase in feelings of agitation and confusion. Care homes are fully equipped to handle these challenges with personalised care plans tailored to meet the needs of each resident and several social opportunities.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Care Home in Radstock

Once the decision has been made to transition a person living with dementia into a care home, finding the right care home becomes the next important step. It’s vital to choose a care home that provides high-quality dementia care and is equipped with facilities to meet the individual’s unique needs and preferences. Below are some of the most important factors to consider when looking for the best care home for you or your loved one:

Target Location

When considering a care home, you should consider how easily you or other visitors can access it. One important factor to research is if there is any public transport nearby or onsite or nearby parking to ensure you can continue to make meaningful memories with your loved ones.

Inspection Reports and Reviews

Inspection reports from organisations like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provide valuable insights into the quality of care homes. These reports can highlight areas where the home excels and where improvements may be needed and help you make a more informed decision.

Meet the Staff and Other Residents

The best way to get an insight into the true experience at a care home is by booking a tour and seeing what daily life is like. Interactions with the care team and other residents can help you and your loved one get a good idea about the level of dementia care provided and if they would be able to consider the care home as their own home away from home.

Assess the Facilities

Care homes should be equipped to provide personal care and offer support for people living with dementia. When visiting, look around the facilities and see if they offer amenities such as secure outdoor spaces, activity programmes, and comfortable communal areas. Also, a good indicator of the right care home will be the team encouraging new residents to bring personal items from home so they can personalise their new space and encourage familiarity.

Involve Family and Friends

Care home teams are extremely compassionate and knowledgeable and will be able to answer any questions you have regarding residents' care and family and friend involvement. A good care home will strive to include loved ones in the care journey as much as possible whether it is through creating their care plan, invitations to in-house events or just supporting them when it is needed.

resident doing arts and crafts with a carer

Supporting the Transition to a Care Home

Moving into a care home in Radstock can be an emotional experience for both the person with dementia and their family members. Taking steps to support the transition can help ease the process:

  • Plan Visits in Advance: Visiting care homes before the move can help the individual become familiar with their new environment.
  • Bring Familiar Items When Moving in: Personal items, such as photographs, blankets, or a favourite chair, can provide comfort and help the person feel more at home.
  • Talk to and be Open With the Staff: Sharing information about the person’s life, interests, and preferences with the care home staff can help them provide more personalised care.

The Role of Care Homes in Supporting People with Dementia

Dementia care homes play a vital role in ensuring the safety, dignity, and quality of life of their residents. From assistance with daily living to medication management, these homes provide the tailored support that people with dementia need as their condition progresses. There are highly skilled care staff on hand 24/7 meaning residents can get assistance at any time of the day and enjoy a structured and compassionate environment where they can feel secure and well cared for.

A care home or nursing home will also offer support to families, providing peace of mind that their loved one is receiving the best possible care. Whether it is through regular updates, answering any questions you may have, or facilitating visits, care homes help family members stay connected and involved.

Our Outstanding Dementia Care at Rowan Park Care Home in Radstock

At Rowan Park Care Home, we provide unrivalled levels of dementia care as well as residential care, nursing care, respite care and palliative care. Our dementia community is flexible and tailored to all of our residents so they can continue to live a rich and meaningful lifestyle with us. We have a team of established and experienced nurses who are on hand throughout all hours of the day and ensure residents can maintain their independence and dignity whilst receiving all the support they need.

Alongside our person-centred care, residents can make full use of our arts & crafts sessions, landscaped garden & patio, hair salon & spa, library and cinema room. We understand the importance of not only continuing to do what you love most but also having the opportunity to try something new.

To find out more about our dementia care services or if you have other questions regarding our care home in Somerset, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Alternatively, book a tour to meet our team and find out more about daily life at Rowan Park. We can't wait to meet you!

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