When Should Someone with Dementia Go into a Care Home?

Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects a person's cognitive abilities, including memory, communication, and decision-making skills. As the condition progresses, it can become increasingly difficult for someone with dementia to live independently and manage their day-to-day activities. In many cases, moving to a care home may be the best option for ensuring the safety and well-being of the person with dementia. However, deciding when to move into a care home can be a difficult decision that requires careful consideration of a range of factors.

Here are some things to consider when deciding if someone with dementia should move into a care home:

Safety Concerns

One of the main reasons to consider moving someone with dementia into a care home is for their safety. As the condition progresses, people with dementia can become increasingly forgetful and disoriented due to a decrease in mental capacity, which can lead to accidents or wandering. They may forget to turn off the stove, leave the front door open, or wander away from home and become lost. In a care home, staff members are trained to handle these situations and provide round-the-clock care and supervision to ensure the safety of residents.

Social Isolation

Dementia can be a very isolating condition, and people with dementia may become withdrawn and lose interest in social activities. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, which can have a negative impact on their overall well-being. In a care home, residents have the opportunity to engage in social contact with other residents and participate in activities and events that can help them stay engaged and connected to others.

Caregiver Burnout

Caring for someone with dementia can be a full-time job, and it can take a toll on the caregiver's physical and emotional health. Caregivers may experience burnout, exhaustion, and stress, which can make it difficult for them to provide the level of care that their loved one needs due to increased behavioural issues or cognitive decline. Moving to a care home can provide the caregiver with some much-needed respite and allow them to focus on their own needs. For family members who are caring for their loved ones, it may get to a stage where they can no longer care for them at home.

Financial Decisions

The cost of care homes varies depending on the level of care required, the location, and the amenities provided. Care home fees are typically paid for via self-funding which is dependent on a person's property and financial affairs. In some cases, the local authority may contribute to paying care home fees depending on individual circumstances following a financial assessment.

There are certain circumstances where individuals are able to get financial help towards the cost of their nursing home or care home fees. The first option is to apply for a means-tested contribution from your local council. This will be based on an assessment of the individual's assets and income. The local authority will only contribute towards the cost of your care if income and assets fall below a certain threshold.

Another option is to apply for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. This is available to individuals who have significant healthcare needs and requires a healthcare professional such as a social worker to carry out a care needs assessment to see if they're eligible.

Finding the right care home

When should someone with dementia go into a care home? There is no straightforward answer as it differs for each individual circumstance. The decision to move someone into a care home should not be taken lightly, and it is important to involve the person with dementia in the decision-making process as much as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind when discussing the move into a care home:

Communication

People with dementia may have difficulty processing information and making decisions, so it is important to communicate in a clear and simple way. Provide plenty of time for the person to ask questions and express their concerns. If someone lacks the mental capacity to provide their opinion, for instance, a person living with dementia is no longer at the early stages of their dementia diagnosis, It's important that a loved one gets lasting power of attorney. This gives the family member the legal power to make decisions on behalf of an individual if it's in their best interests.

Choice

Even though the person with dementia may not be able to make all the decisions, it is important to involve them in the process and give them as many choices as possible. Ask them about their preferences and what they would like to see in a care home. If possible, take them on a tour of different care homes so they can see what the options are.

Familiarity

Moving to a new environment can be disorienting for someone with dementia, so it is important to maintain some sense of familiarity in a residential setting. If possible, choose a care home that is close to the person's current home or that has familiar surroundings. Bringing familiar objects and photos to their own room in the home helps the individual to feel more comfortable.

Continuity of Care

When someone with dementia moves into a care home, it is important to ensure continuity of care. Provide the care home staff with as much information as possible about the person's medical history, medications, and current routines. The dementia care home team will regularly assess a resident's care needs and their progression and alter care plans when necessary to ensure they receive care that’s accurate and effective.

When choosing a care home, it is important to consider the needs of the person with dementia and choose a home that can meet those needs. Look for a care home that has staff members who are trained in dementia care and that can provide the level of support and supervision that the person requires. It is also important to consider the location of the care home, the cost of care, and the quality of care provided.

Moving to a care home can be a difficult decision for both you and your loved one, but it's important to remember you are not alone. When searching for a care home for a loved one with dementia, there are several types of support and advice available. Support is available from healthcare professionals such as general practitioners, nurses, or social workers who can provide information on local care homes and the services they offer.

Additionally, there are organisations such as the Alzheimer's Society and Age UK that provide information, advice, and emotional support for people with dementia and their families. These charities can also provide guidance on choosing a care home and what to look for when visiting potential homes.

Exemplary Care at Boclair Care Home

Boclair Care Home, situated in Bearsden near Glasgow, is committed to providing exceptional person-centred care with a comprehensive approach. We offer Residential Care, Dementia Care, Nursing Care and Respite Care located in a residential community. Our private, luxurious setting provides excellent care, accommodation and facilities for 80 elderly individuals.

We are proud to provide dementia care for a variety of dementia care needs at our care home in Bearsden. Our team is trained and experienced to provide a high standard of care for those living with dementia. We offer a number of dementia-friendly activities and therapies to ensure our residents feel at ease at our home and experience an improved quality of life.

We have a sensory room amongst other in-house facilities. Sensory rooms are designed to provide a calming and relaxing environment for those with dementia and those with cognitive or sensory impairments. Sensory rooms have features such as soft lighting, soothing music, and comfortable seating, which help to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Our residents can take advantage of a range of facilities, such as a salon & nail bar, a sensory room, a complete activities programme, and more. Our team actively encourages residents to use these amenities on a regular basis, so that they can continue to live a full and meaningful life.

Get in Touch With Our Helpful Team

If you have any questions regarding our care services or facilities at Boclair Care Home, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team. You can reach us by emailing info@boclaircare.co.uk or by calling 01414 845050. Alternatively, you can fill out our online enquiry form, and a member of our staff will respond to you as soon as possible.