Home Care vs Care Home – What’s Best for Dementia?
Choosing the right type of care for a loved one with dementia can be one of the most complicated and emotional decisions a family faces.
For many families, the choice often comes down to home care or a specialist care home.
In this guide, we’ll explain the main differences, the benefits and challenges of each option and how to decide what might work best for your loved one’s needs and wellbeing.
What is the Difference Between Home Care and a Care Home for Dementia?
The main difference between home care and a care home for dementia is where and how the support is delivered. For example, home care enables individuals to remain in their own homes with regular visits from trained caregivers who assist with daily routines and offer companionship. A care home, on the other hand, provides 24-hour professional care in a safe, structured setting developed for people living with dementia, with staff on hand day and night.
Overview of Dementia Care Needs
Dementia affects everyone in its own way. Over time, it can make everyday tasks like cooking, getting dressed, managing money and remembering medication or appointments increasingly difficult. People with dementia also start to feel anxious, confused or withdrawn as they try to make sense of what’s happening around them, which can be challenging not just for the person living with dementia, but for their families too.
Having the right support in place makes a huge difference for everyone involved. By providing a consistent routine, familiar faces and patient-centred care, those living with dementia can feel safe and valued.
As dementia progresses, the type and level of support needed often change. While some families find that help at home is enough for a while, others reach a point where specialist care in a dedicated setting feels like the best option.
Home Care for Dementia
Home care is when the person with dementia receives support while staying in their own surroundings. Being at home keeps daily routines in place and allows people to stay close to family, neighbours and the community they know.
What home care can include:
Home care is flexible. Depending on the stage of dementia, some people need a few hours of help each week, while others benefit from full-time, live-in support. Care might involve:
✓ Personal care, including washing and dressing
✓ Help with cooking food and taking medication
✓ Companionship and social interaction
✓ Support with appointments and household tasks
When home care works best
Home care can be an excellent choice in the earlier stages of dementia, when someone is mostly independent but needs a little extra help to stay safe and well. It also works well for families who want to remain closely involved in day-to-day care.
What to keep in mind
As dementia progresses, needs will change. So, managing restlessness, confusion or nighttime wandering becomes more difficult to manage at home. Families may find they need additional support or start considering specialist residential care for peace of mind and round-the-clock supervision.
The Pros and Cons of Dementia Care at Home
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Familiar surroundings that reduce anxiety or confusion | Limited supervision outside of scheduled visits |
| Flexible care plans that adapt over time | It can become costly as care needs increase |
| Greater independence and personal freedom | Fewer opportunities for social interaction |
| Strong family involvement and emotional connection | Safety risks increase if confusion or wandering worsens |
Dementia Care in a Care Home
Dementia care in a care home provides full-time support in a safe, structured environment organised specifically for people living with dementia. Residents receive round-the-clock assistance from dementia-trained staff who are knowledgeable about the condition and know how to respond appropriately with patience and compassion, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe at all times.
Care homes that specialise in dementia support focus on comfort and consistency. Daily routines are predictable but flexible, helping residents feel secure. The environment is usually adapted to reduce confusion, for example, with big, clear signs, calming decor and safe outdoor spaces to enjoy.
What Dementia Care Homes Provide:
✓ 24-hour supervision and personal care
✓ Medication management and health monitoring
✓ Structured activities and therapies to support memory and wellbeing
✓ Balanced, nutritious meals and help with eating if needed
✓ Emotional and social support from staff and fellow residents
When a Dementia Care Home May Be the Best Option
A care home is often the right choice when safety becomes a concern, when care is needed day and night or when family carers are finding it too hard to manage with juggling work and life. Moving into a specialist setting brings peace of mind, knowing your loved one is supported by professionals who understand dementia at every stage.
The Pros and Cons of a Live-In Dementia Care Home
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 24-hour professional care and supervision | Adjustment period when first moving in |
| Purpose-built, dementia-friendly environment | Less independence than living at home |
| Regular activities, therapies and social interaction | Can be more expensive long-term |
| Consistent routines and trained staff | Emotional challenge for families during transition |
Choosing What’s Right for Your Family
We know that choosing between care at home and a care home isn’t easy, because you want your loved one to be comfortable and well-supported and it can be hard to know which option offers that balance. Talking to a GP or dementia care specialist and visiting a few local homes, can often help things feel a little clearer.
When deciding, think about what’s most important to your loved one and to your family. Some people feel more settled in their own surroundings, where life feels familiar and routines stay the same. Others may do better in a care home, where there’s company, structure and support available whenever it’s needed.
You might also want to think about practical things like safety at home, how much daily help is needed and whether those needs are likely to change soon. Aim to find a solution that feels right for your loved one and gives everyone in the family some peace of mind.
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