When someone receives a diagnosis of dementia, it’s natural to start thinking about the future – when should I start looking for extra support? What support is available for dementia? What are the signs that it may be time to consider a dementia care home? It’s a topic that may feel daunting, but it’s never too early to start thinking about your options.
Why is it important to start planning dementia care early?
Early planning doesn’t mean rushing into a decision. It means giving you and your family member the time and space to explore what support is available, understand how to get the right support, and make choices that reflect the person’s individual wishes and needs.
In the early stages of dementia, there are several options available to you – including home care and
residential care. While there’s a common misconception that people only move into a care home in the later stages of dementia, in reality, residential care can offer significant benefits even in the very early stages.
When to start having the conversation about dementia care
Talking about moving into a care home can sometimes be difficult, but it’s a conversation that’s worth having early, especially as this means the person living with dementia can be more involved in the conversation.
Many people start thinking about a care home when
symptoms of dementia start to worsen following a diagnosis, this can include:
● Memory loss, which can lead to the person finding it difficult to continue with daily living at home
● Difficulty concentrating or keeping organised
● Difficulty in managing personal care, such as washing and dressing
● Problems with communication and speech
● Problems with sleep
● Misunderstanding what is being seen
● Difficulty to differentiate between what is and isn’t real
● Disorientation, including losing track of time, or not being sure where they are
● Mood changes or difficulty controlling emotions, which may lead to the person rejecting help from family or carers
Remember, if you think it’s time to start looking for more support, it’s not always about making an immediate decision, it's about understanding the support available and, if you’re considering a care home, taking the time to research and visit different care homes to see which one feels like the right fit.
I’m ready to start looking for a dementia care home – what are the next steps?
Choosing a care home for dementia support isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be a last resort. There are a variety of different care homes to meet your needs.
At HC-One, our family of
care homes are here to help regardless of where you’re at in your dementia journey. Our residential care homes can support you and your family in the early stages of dementia, while our residential dementia and nursing care communities are here to help with experienced care teams in dementia care.
Whether you’re caring for someone living with dementia, or navigating a diagnosis of dementia yourself, our friendly care advisors are here to help with advice and guidance on your next steps.
Call us on 0333 999 8699 to find out more about dementia care at HC-One, or use our helpful search tool to find a care home near you.