When Should Someone with Dementia Move into a Care Home?

Understanding when a person's dementia has reached a stage where they would need to move into a care home can be difficult as there are a number of contributing factors to take into account.

Dementia is a progressive neurological condition most commonly affecting those aged over 65, although it can start earlier. It affects many parts of a person's brain cells, meaning they will have a reduced mental capacity and may struggle with cognitive abilities such as thinking or speaking. There are many different types of dementia, so it is essential to establish what type of specialist care you or your family member may require.

In this blog, we delve into the different factors that need to be considered when deciding if a person living with dementia should move into a care home and how to find them the perfect care facility if this is the case.

If Their Home is No Longer a Safe Environment

One of the most common reasons for looking into care homes for someone with dementia is if their own home is no longer a safe environment for them. Because dementia progresses over time, it can cause an individual to become disorientated and confused which could lead to them suffering from a fall or injury. Tasks such as turning plugs off or locking the door may usually be routine for many but are easy things to miss for those living with dementia, which may one day bring them harm and result in hospital admission as a dementia patient.

To keep both you and your loved ones safe, moving into a care home is an appropriate option. Some nursing homes or care homes offer a dedicated dementia unit where an in-house team can provide support to them 24 hours a day. Allowing residents to continue to live independently is usually a high priority within a care home, so they will offer an environment where dementia residents can continue to do this whilst staying safe.

A Lack of Socialisation

For someone with dementia, social isolation can become common for them. By having limited social contact and only being able to spend time with certain individuals, they may experience a decline in their mental capacity which makes it increasingly difficult for them to continue their daily life without extra support.

By residing in a residential care home, someone with dementia will be able to socialise with like-minded individuals whilst receiving the specialist care they need. This will not only have positive impacts on their physical wellbeing and capacity, but it would also help each person with dementia to once again find joy in each day. People involved in the process of finding the right care home such as friends or family are encouraged to visit regularly which will help to maintain their connections and relationships.

Dementia Needs Progressing Beyond a Family Members Capabilities

Being a welfare-lasting power of attorney for someone with dementia can become a full-time job and their dementia moves to later stages, you may become burnt out or exhausted making you unable to fully cater to their needs. This could not only have a negative impact on you but will also affect the person living with dementia.

Care homes are equipped with amenities such as sensory rooms or reminiscence activities in a residential setting for each person with dementia to enjoy alongside other residents. With the appropriate support from care homes, loved ones will be able to visit residents and enjoy quality time together without worrying if they are caring for them properly.

Dementia Care Finances

The rising cost of living in the UK is a concern for many individuals, especially those with dementia, who may struggle to comprehend the increasing expenses or feel anxious about their financial situation.

Choosing to reside in a residential care home, a nursing home, or an all-inclusive care home can provide some relief as it allows people to continue living life on their terms. These finances typically cover household expenses like accommodation, heating, electricity, and food, though an all-inclusive care home may cover additional expenses too. With a fixed fee in place, residents don't need to worry about fluctuating bills at the end of each month. Most individuals with dementia will be self-funding their own care home fees, on a weekly or monthly basis.

However, it's important to acknowledge that care homes can be expensive. For individuals who cannot self-fund their care, there are various options available to provide financial support. The local authority will usually offer funding based on property and a financial assessment conducted by social services. Another possibility is NHS continuing healthcare, where a multidisciplinary team will conduct tests to evaluate the individual's eligibility for financial assistance.

Consult With a Qualified Nurse or Specialist Dementia Care Home

If you are a personal welfare deputy and have legal power over someone with dementia, it may be beneficial to get in contact with an admiral nurse or financial affairs LPA. These individuals would be able to assess your healthcare situation as well as property and financial affairs and give you advice on the best route to take for receiving care.

Living with dementia is an ongoing struggle and often receiving some advice from social workers or other industry experts, can provide you with peace of mind. To enquire about a specific dementia care plan, we recommend contacting the specific care homes directly as they can offer the most appropriate support based on their services.

Sourcing the Perfect Care Home for Someone with Dementia

Whilst different facilities may pose many benefits for a person with dementia, it is essential to find the right care home that offers them an improved quality of life. As their condition progresses, people may find it increasingly difficult to complete domestic tasks and 24-hour support from a care home can help immensely with their overall health and wellbeing.

There are many different types of care homes available to someone with dementia including nursing homes, a residential care home, or specialist dementia care home, depending on their needs. A nursing home or residential care home may provide care and support of other types and will have other residents with varying levels of needs whereas a specialist dementia care home will have a prime focus on caring for and supporting those living with dementia.

All care homes provide their own specific benefits, so it is essential to do your research to find the most appropriate place for your loved one. Below we have included the factors we believe are essential when finding the perfect care home.

Look for a Comfortable and Familiar Space

The progressive nature of dementia can make moving into a care home extremely daunting as they are in a place of unfamiliar surroundings. When viewing care homes, make sure to find out if residents receive their own room, as this would give them the freedom to personalise their space and make it their own.

When considering in-house facilities, we would recommend looking for reminiscence or sensory rooms, and it can also be helpful to understand the activities and therapies they offer as these can also help to improve the mental capacity and mental health of those living with dementia. It is essential to find a care home not only caters to their personal care but that also puts their wellbeing as a priority.

Communicate With Your Family Member

Communication between you and the person with dementia is extremely important as they will be the ones experiencing the change. Make sure to explain all the details in simple terms and reiterate that they will be visited regularly by friends and family to ensure normalcy and familarity. Because of the isolating effects of living with dementia, it is important to explain the benefits and give them the opportunity to ask questions.

If it is appropriate, one of the family members of the person with dementia should acquire lasting power of attorney. This will give them legal power to make decisions in their loved ones' best interests if they are unable to do so.

A Continuum of Care is a Necessity

When making the transition to a care home, it is crucial to ensure they provide the appropriate care and support. Giving care homes detailed information about your loved one's medical history, medications, and daily routines is essential, as it helps them to understand and cater to their specific needs. The care home team will then carry out a needs assessment, develop a personalised dementia care plan and regularly assess the resident's requirements to ensure consistent and compassionate care during their stay.

Selecting the right care home requires understanding the unique needs of the individual with dementia. Look for a care home with trained staff who specialise in dementia care and can offer the necessary level of support and supervision for your loved one. Additionally make sure you consider the location, cost, and quality of services provided by the care home.

Moving a loved one to a care home can be emotionally challenging, but remember that you are not alone. Seek support and advice from healthcare professionals like general practitioners, nurses, or social workers who can guide you through the process and address any concerns you may have about choosing the best care home for your family member.

Keep Them Involved in All Decisions

Whether it be financial decisions or everyday life choices, it is essential to keep the person who has dementia involved. Take into account their preferences and make sure everything that affects them is in their best interest. It is easy for someone with dementia to become disorientated or confused, so you should always keep open and honest communication with them involving decisions or conversations that affect them.

If there are any care home decisions that you or your loved one may need support with, there are charities such as Age UK and the Alzheimer's Society that provide advice, information, and support. Any decisions that are tailored to a specific care home should be discussed with the care home manager.

Receive Care That Puts You First at The Hazelwell Care Home

The Hazelwell Care Home in Heswall is a stunning all-inclusive facility offering first-class dementia care, nursing care, respite care, residential care, and palliative care. Our team of specialist dementia care professionals understands that the experience for each person with dementia is unique, and our continuum of care allows residents to enjoy luxurious living as well as high standards of care throughout.

Our residents are at the heart of everything we do. Our person-centred approach to care means our dementia residents can fill their days with what they enjoy most whilst receiving as much support as they need. Our expansive range of in-house facilities and amenities have a positive impact on not only the physical wellbeing of our residents but also their mental health and socialisation skills. On a daily basis, they have access to our varied activities programme, our rooftop salon, our library and luxury transport.

We want those living with dementia and their families to know that our wonderful team have their best interests at heart and they work tirelessly to ensure they are provided with the best quality of life. The process of moving into a care home shouldn't be an uphill battle, which is why we offer the highest standard of medical and personal care as well as a range of facilities catering to each of our residents' needs. Whether they are in the early stages or have more specific care needs, we will be able to cater to their individual circumstances.

Find Out More About our Care Home on the Wirral

If you require any further information regarding our dedicated dementia care or our in-house facilities, please don't hesitate to contact our team of care professionals. Either call us on 01513 429654 or email info@thehazelwell.com and we will be in touch as soon as possible.