When Should Someone With Dementia Go Into A Care Home?

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect the brain. It is typically associated with memory loss, confusion and impaired reasoning. Common causes of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. It is estimated that around 850,000 people in the UK are living with some form of dementia and this number is expected to rise to over 1 million by 2025.

When Should Someone With Dementia Go Into a Care Home?

Deciding when to move a person with dementia into a care home is never an easy decision and should not be taken lightly. It is important to consider the person’s wishes, as well as their safety, comfort and wellbeing. It is also important to remember that dementia is progressive – meaning that symptoms will become more severe over time. This means that a person may need more care and support as their condition progresses.

In general, it is recommended that a person with dementia should move into a care home if their needs become too great for their family or carers to manage. This includes if the person is struggling to manage daily activities such as washing, dressing and eating, or if they require around-the-clock supervision. It can also be beneficial to move a person into a care home if their condition is causing distress or confusion, or if they are becoming increasingly isolated.

Choosing the Right Care Home

When deciding whether to move a person with dementia into a care home, it is important to choose the right one. The right care home should be clean, comfortable and secure, and should provide a range of activities to meet the needs of the individual. It is also important to consider the staff to resident ratio, as well as the availability of specialist dementia care. It is also worth visiting the care home before making a decision, to ensure that it is the right fit.

Benefits of Moving Into a Care Home

Moving into a care home can be beneficial for those with dementia, as it can provide the support and supervision that they need. Care homes are typically staffed by specially trained professionals and can provide a safe and secure environment. They can also provide specialist care, such as physiotherapy and speech therapy. Care homes can also provide social opportunities and activities that can help to reduce loneliness and isolation.

Things to Consider Before Moving Into a Care Home

Before making the decision to move someone with dementia into a care home, it is important to consider the person’s wishes. It is also important to think about the financial implications and the cost of care, as well as the practicalities of moving and any potential disruption to their routine. It is also worth considering how the person’s health and wellbeing will be monitored, and how the care home staff will communicate with the family.

Tips for Making the Move Easier

Moving into a care home can be an emotional and difficult experience, but there are some things that can be done to make the transition easier. It is important to ensure that the person’s room is personalised, with familiar items and possessions. It is also helpful to keep in contact with the care home staff, to ensure that the person is settling in and receiving the care and support they need. It can also be helpful to visit the care home regularly, to ensure that the person is happy and comfortable.

Conclusion

Deciding when to move a person with dementia into a care home is never an easy decision, but it can be beneficial for their safety, comfort and wellbeing. It is important to consider the person’s wishes, as well as their care needs, before making a decision. It is also important to choose the right care home and to make the transition as smooth as possible. With the right care and support, those with dementia can lead happy, fulfilling lives.