When Should Someone with Dementia Go into a Care Home?

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a journey filled with love, dedication and, at times, difficult decisions. One of the hardest choices families face is when to consider moving someone with dementia into a care home. Dementia affects each person differently, and there is no single answer to this question. However, recognising the signs that dementia care may be needed can help ensure the right support is in place at the right time.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms can develop over time. In the early stages, many people can continue living in their own homes with support from family, carers, or social services. However, as memory loss and confusion increase, daily tasks such as preparing food, managing medicines and using the toilet can become more challenging. When a person struggles with personal care or experiences sleep problems, families may begin to wonder whether a care home is the best option.

The decision is rarely straightforward. Some people can manage well with additional support at home, while others may need care sooner due to complex health needs or safety concerns.

Signs That Care Home Support May Be Needed

There are several key factors that can indicate when someone with dementia may benefit from moving into a care home. Increasing safety risks, such as wandering, falls or forgetting to take medication, can put the person at risk of harm. If family members or other carers are struggling to cope with the level of care required, this can also signal that additional support is needed.

Social isolation is another important factor to consider. Many older people with dementia can often experience loneliness and struggle to engage in activities, and moving into a care home can ensure they can continue doing what they love with the right support.

When assessing whether the time is right, families should also consider whether their loved one’s needs are being looked after to the highest degree with home care. If a person requires frequent medical attention, assistance with all aspects of personal care, or specialist dementia care, a nursing home in Kent may be the best option.

What a Dementia Friendly Environment Can Provide

Care homes offer a structured environment where residents receive around-the-clock support. For those with dementia, this can make a significant difference to their quality of life. Care homes provide personal care, ensuring residents receive help with washing, dressing and mobility, while also offering nutritious meals and a safe living environment. Some will also offer medical care services, so they will support residents with their medication management and additional needs

Social engagement is another important part of care home life. Many people with dementia become isolated at home, particularly if they struggle with communication or mobility. In a care home, residents can spend time with others, take part in tailored activities or trips into the local community and receive emotional support from trained carers. Engaging with other residents and taking part in meaningful activities can improve well-being and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Legal and Practical Considerations

Some legal and practical steps may need to be taken when a person with dementia moves into a care home. If they are struggling to make decisions about their care, a mental capacity assessment may be required to determine whether they need extra support with making decisions. If they are unable to do so, decisions must be made in their best interests by family members or those with legal authority.

Lasting Power of Attorney is an important part of planning for the future. This legal document allows a trusted person to make decisions on behalf of someone with dementia when they are no longer able to do so themselves. It can cover both health and care decisions, as well as practical matters such as managing medicines or making medical appointments. Seeking advice early can help ensure everything is in place when the time comes.

Choosing the Right Care Home

Once the decision has been made to move into a care home, finding the right care home is essential. Visiting care homes, reading inspection reports and speaking to the manager and all the staff can help families get a sense of the home’s quality of care. It’s important to consider whether the home can provide the level of support needed, including specialist dementia care if required.

When visiting a care home, families should take time to observe how staff interact with residents and what facilities are available. Asking about activities, meals, personal care routines and how the home supports those with dementia can also help in making an informed decision.

Supporting a Loved One’s Move into a Care Home

Moving into a care home is a significant transition, both for the person with dementia and their family. Feelings of guilt, sadness and worry are completely normal. Talking openly about these feelings and seeking support from the care home team or dementia charities can be helpful.

There are several ways to make the transition easier:

• Bringing personal items – Familiar belongings, such as photographs, blankets or small pieces of furniture, can help make a new environment and bedroom feel more like home.
• Spending time together – Visiting regularly in the early days can provide reassurance and help a loved one adjust to their new surroundings.
• Encouraging social engagement – Taking part in activities and getting to know other residents can help a person feel more comfortable and settled.

Many families worry about how their loved one will cope with the move, but care homes are experienced in helping residents settle in. Over time, new routines, friendships and support from all the staff can help create a sense of belonging.

Ongoing Involvement and Care

Once a loved one moves into a care home, family members still play an important part in their care. Regular visits, joining for in-house events and maintaining relationships can make a big difference. Many care homes encourage families to stay involved, and some even offer support groups for relatives.

Choosing a care home is never an easy decision, but with the right advice and support, families can ensure their loved one receives the best possible care. Whether it’s a residential care home or a nursing home, finding the right environment can greatly improve the quality of life for someone living with dementia.

High Quality Dementia Care Especially For You at Hazelwood Care Home

At Hazelwood Care Home in Longfield, we offer unrivalled levels of dementia care as well as residential care, nursing care, respite care and palliative care. Within our home, we have our Poppy community, which is dedicated to those living with dementia. Our team of compassionate care experts provide the highest levels of care and support to our residents and are fully trained to deal with all aspects and levels of dementia.

Alongside our care services, we have several in-house facilities that residents can use whenever they wish. At Hazelwood, there is something for everybody to enjoy, including our garden and sensory room, beauty salon, library, cinema room and vibrant activities program. We are proud to offer tailored activities to our residents in each community 7 days a week. No matter what stage someone is at with their dementia journey, they will always be able to continue doing their much-loved hobbies or explore a new interest.

Moving into a care home doesn't mean it is the end, it is just the next exciting chapter. If you are looking for a care home in Kent that not only provides the highest quality of care to residents but also supports them with leading a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, get in touch and book a tour. All of us at Hazelwood Care Home can't wait to meet you.