When Should Someone with Dementia Move into a Care Home?
Understanding when it's time for a person with dementia to move to a care home can be challenging and stressful knowing if this is the right decision to make on behalf of a loved one.
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition, typically affecting individuals aged over 65, which impacts all aspects of cognitive function, leading to reduced mental capacity and difficulties with thinking, memory and communication. Since there are several types of dementia, it becomes crucial to determine the type of dementia someone has and the level of specialised care they require.
In this blog, we will explore the key considerations involved in deciding whether someone with dementia should move into a care home and provide guidance on finding the most suitable care home.
When a Person's Home is No Longer Safe
When considering whether a home is suitable for someone with dementia, a crucial factor to assess is whether their current residence is still a safe environment for them.
Dementia is a progressive condition that can lead to disorientation and confusion, increasing the risk of major injuries. Everyday tasks like turning off plugs or locking doors, which might be second nature to others, can become easily overlooked by individuals needing more care, potentially resulting in harm and hospitalisation for dementia patients.
For the safety of both the individual and their family, transitioning to a care home is often the most appropriate choice. Residential care facilities or all-inclusive care homes, typically provide dedicated dementia units staffed around the clock. These settings support the enablement of residents to maintain a level of independence while ensuring their safety.
Lack of Social Interaction
Individuals with dementia often face social isolation while at home, which can have detrimental effects on their overall well-being. Limited social contact and interactions with only a few individuals can lead to a decline in their cognitive abilities, making it increasingly challenging for them to maintain their daily lives without additional support.
Residing in a residential care home offers someone with dementia the opportunity to engage in social interactions with like-minded indiviuals while receiving the specialised care they require. This not only positively impacts their physical health and cognitive abilities but also allows each person with dementia to rediscover the simple joys in life. Friends and family members involved in the process of selecting the right care home are encouraged to visit loved ones regularly, helping to maintain their deep connections and relationships.
Dementia Care Extending Beyond a Family's Abilities
Acting as a lasting power of attorney for someone with dementia can be a demanding full-time role. As dementia advances to later stages, caregivers may experience burnout or exhaustion, causing them unable to fully meet the person's needs. This not only takes a toll on the caregiver but also impacts the health and well-being of the individual with dementia.
Care homes offer a range of amenities, including sensory rooms and reminiscence activities, in a residential setting, providing each person with dementia the opportunity to enjoy these resources as part of their care package. With the support and services provided by care homes, loved ones can visit residents and spend quality time together without the focus of providing care as a first priority.
Dementia Care Costs
The increasing cost of living in the UK is a source of concern for many individuals, especially those with dementia who may find it challenging to grasp the rising expenses and who feel anxious and confused about managing their financial situation.
Opting to live in a care home can offer some relief, allowing individuals to maintain their lifestyle preferences. Care homes typically cover household expenses such as heating, electricity, food and maintenance within an all-inclusive care package. With a fixed fee in place, residents are spared the worry of fluctuating bills each month. Most individuals with dementia will need to self-fund their care home fees, typically on a weekly or monthly basis.
For those unable to self-fund their care, there are several avenues that can be explored for financial support. Local authorities usually offer assistance based on a financial assessment conducted by social services. Another option is NHS-funded care known as Complex Clinical Care, which involves a multidisciplinary team evaluating the individual's eligibility for financial aid through comprehensive assessments.
Seek Guidance from a Qualified Nurse or Dementia Care Specialist
If you hold power of attorney for someone with dementia, it can be beneficial to reach out to a qualified nurse or another industry professional. These professionals can assess your property and financial matters and offer guidance on the best course of action.
Living with dementia presents ongoing challenges and seeking advice from social workers or other industry experts can provide you with peace of mind. If you're looking for information about a tailored dementia care plan, we recommend reaching out directly to specific care homes. They can provide the most relevant support based on the services they offer.
Sourcing the Perfect Care Home for Someone With Dementia
Whilst care homes intend to provide a better way of life for a person with dementia, it is essential to find the right care home that offers them a suitable lifestyle and the right care approach. As a person's condition progresses, they will find it increasingly difficult to complete domestic tasks and be able to live independently, this is when the most suitable option would be to move them into a care home.
There are many different types of care homes available to someone with dementia including nursing homes, a residential care home or an all-inclusive care home. A nursing home or residential care home is more acute and focuses on one or two types of care, whereas an all-inclusive care home will offer numerous care types and have everything included in one flat fee.
All care homes have their own unique selling points, so it is essential to do your research to find the most appropriate place for your loved one. Below we have included the factors that are important to consider when finding the perfect care home.
Seek a Cosy and Recognisable Environment
The progressive nature of dementia can make the transition to a care home particularly challenging, as individuals find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings. Most care homes will offer residents a private bedroom. Having a personal space such as this allows them to customise it to their liking and create a sense of familiarity.
In terms of on-site amenities, we recommend looking for a care home that offers dementia-friendly activities. Adopting dementia-friendly activities can significantly enhance the cognitive and emotional well-being of individuals living with dementia. It's crucial to choose a care home that not only addresses their personal care needs but also places a high priority on their overall well-being.
Maintain Open Communication with Your Family Member
Effective communication with the person living with dementia is important, as they are the ones being affected by the changes most. Ensure that you convey all information in straightforward terms and reassure them that you will visit regularly. Given the isolating nature of dementia, you should explain the advantages of the move and provide them with the opportunity to ask questions.
If deemed appropriate, a family member should consider obtaining lasting power of attorney. This legal authority allows them to make decisions in the best interests of their loved ones if they become incapable of doing so themselves.
A Continuum of Care is Vital
When transitioning to a care home, it's vital to ensure that the care team can provide the appropriate care and support. Providing care homes with detailed information about your loved one's medical history, medications and daily routines is beneficial to establishing a customised care plan. This information helps staff to understand more about the individual's specific needs. The care home team will then assess the resident's requirements to maintain compassionate and consistent care throughout their stay.
Selecting the right care home necessitates a deep understanding of the unique needs of the individual with dementia. We recommended finding a care home with highly trained staff who specialise in dementia care, and who are capable of offering the required level of support and supervision for your loved one. Additionally, consider factors such as location, cost and the quality of services provided by the care home.
Moving a loved one to a care home can be emotionally challenging, but it's essential to remember that you're not alone. Seek support and guidance from healthcare professionals such as a GP, nurse or social worker who can assist you throughout the process and address any concerns you may have regarding the move to a care home.
Inclusive Decision-Making
Whether it's financial matters or day-to-day choices, it's crucial to involve the person with dementia in the decision-making process as much as you can. Consider their preferences and ensure that all decisions that impact them are made in their best interests.
If you require further assistance with decisions, there are charitable organisations such as Age UK and the Alzheimer's Society that offer advice, information and support. Any decisions specifically related to a particular care home, you should get in touch directly with the care home manager.
Person-Centered Care At Manor Grange Care Home
Manor Grange Care Home is nestled in the picturesque Pinkhill area of Edinburgh and offers 24/7 care and accommodation for 83 residents. Our services encompass dementia care, residential care, nursing care, respite care and palliative care, all within a beautiful and luxurious environment with views of Carrick Know golf course.
Featuring modern en-suite bedrooms, a well-appointed beauty salon, spacious communal areas, a diverse activities programme, and delightful gardens, our care community is thoughtfully designed to prioritise the comfort and well-being of older individuals. Our Edinburgh care home was founded on the principle that every individual deserves to lead a rich and meaningful life, and our dedicated team takes great pride in fostering a warm and supportive atmosphere where each resident can realise their full potential in their new home.
Our dedicated staff is deeply committed to delivering all-encompassing care to our residents. This care extends beyond physical well-being to include fostering a nurturing and supportive environment, encouraging the formation of new friendships and facilitating the creation of meaningful personal experiences. At Manor Grange, we are a close-knit community of individuals who share common values, coming together to cultivate a happy and welcoming home for all.
Speak to Our Dedicated Team Today!
If you have any further questions about moving a loved one into a care home, feel free to speak to one of our dedicated team members today by calling 0131 334 6462 or by emailing us at info@manorgrangecare.co.uk. We are more than happy to provide support to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
