Care Homes for Dementia - When Is It the Right Time, And Who Decides?

Dementia is a progressive condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s memory, cognitive abilities, and social skills. Navigating a diagnosis of dementia is a shared experience, involving not just the individual but also their loved ones. 

Recognising the signs, and understanding how your loved one’s condition may progress, can help you to make informed decisions about their Dementia Care. This requires understanding, compassion, and a focus on the individual's quality of life.

At KYN, we understand the complexities and emotions that come with making decisions about care. This article aims to answer the crucial question: when is the right time to consider moving into a care homes, and who decides?

The Journey of Dementia

There are many different forms of dementia, and they each affect people in different ways. Every person living with dementia has a unique experience, with different needs, abilities, and difficulties to face. 

A person’s journey with dementia is often described in stages. When first diagnosed, symptoms are often subtle and easy to manage. However, as the condition progresses, individuals living with dementia may require more and more support in various areas of their day-to-day lives. When independent living is no longer practical, specialist dementia care homes can significantly help to improve the person’s quality of life.

The experience of dementia is not confined to the individual alone. It extends to their loved ones, their caregivers, and their community.

The Role of Loved Ones

The decision to transition to a dementia care home often involves the individual's loved ones. It's a decision made with love, respect, and a deep understanding of the everyone’s needs. It's not about 'giving up', but about ensuring the best possible care; supporting the person to maintain their independence and quality of life in a safe, nurturing environment.

Making the decision to transition a loved one to a care home is not always easy. A multitude of factors should be considered, including the individual's health, their care needs, and the ability of loved ones to provide care. 

Family and loved ones play a crucial role in the dementia journey. They provide emotional support, help in decision-making, and often, care. Their understanding of the individual's history, preferences, and needs is invaluable in ensuring personalised care. At KYN, we recognise and value the role of our residents’ loved ones, and we strive to support them in every step of the journey. This includes providing resources, advice, and emotional support with the help of our own Dementia Lead.

When Is the Right Time to Consider Residential Dementia Care?

Determining the right time to start thinking about dementia care homes is a personal decision. It requires a deep understanding of the individual's health, needs, capabilities, and preferences. 

There are many factors to consider when deciding if residential dementia care may benefit your loved one. For example: 

• Health and safety concerns: How advanced are your loved one’s symptoms? If they require constant supervision for safety reasons, residential care can offer this.
• Care needs: Can the individual's care needs be met at home? This includes personal care, help with daily activities, medical care, and therapies.
• Practical considerations: Are there family members or friends who are able and willing to provide dementia care at home?
• Finances: What are the costs of residential care vs. home care, and what is your care budget?
• Quality of life: Consider the history, lifestyle, wishes and preferences of the person with dementia. What environment will provide them with the best quality of life?
• Long-term planning: Consider how the needs of the individual may change over time and whether the chosen care option can adapt to those needs.

Ultimately, if you can no longer care for a loved one living with dementia at home, residential care may be the best option. It's important to consider all these factors, to engage in open and honest discussions, and to seek professional advice when needed.

Who Decides?

In the UK, the decision to move someone into a care home is usually a collaborative process involving several parties. 

First and foremost, it’s important to have a discussion with the individual living with dementia and consider their thoughts and feelings. You should have these conversations early in their dementia journey, so that you are aware of their wishes for the future. 

Often, the person’s loved ones, carers and healthcare professionals will play a central role in deciding when residential care is needed, especially if they are unable to make or communicate their choice. If they have given you or another loved one Lasting Power of Attorney[EH1]  for Health and Welfare, you will be able to make decisions about their care on their behalf.

If there's no family or friend who can make the decision, the Court of Protection may become involved to decide in the person's best interest.

Choosing a Dementia Care Home

Choosing a care home for a loved one living with dementia is an important decision. It's essential to consider factors such as:

• The residence’s ability to cater to your loved one’s changing health needs.
• The expertise of the staff - have they received professional training in dementia care?
• The location, environment, and general atmosphere of the care home
• The amenities, activities, and therapies available to residents
• The monthly fees - do they fit within your care budget?

Most importantly, you should carefully assess the quality of care on offer. Personalised care should be at the heart of quality dementia care. It involves understanding and respecting the person’s history, preferences, and needs, and appreciating the individual beyond their symptoms. For more information, see our guide to choosing a care home for dementia.

At KYN, we believe in providing personalised dementia care that respects the individual's identity, values their history, and caters to their unique needs. We also take a holistic approach to care, treating each residents’ physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing with equal regard.

The Emotional Journey

The transition to a care home is not just a physical move: it can also be an emotional journey for both the individual and their loved ones. It's a process of change, adaptation, and new beginnings. It can bring a mix of feelings, from relief and hope to sadness and anxiety, for everyone involved. 

It’s essential to approach the move with understanding, patience, and support. Listen to and validate your loved one’s feelings, reassuring them that you’ll be there to help every step of the way.

Residential[EH2]  care can provide a valuable opportunity to enjoy an improved quality of life, with new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for social connection.

Discover KYN: Outstanding Residential Dementia Care

At KYN, we believe in providing compassionate, respectful dementia care. We understand the difficulties involved in the dementia journey and are committed to providing outstanding care, support, and comfort to our residents and their loved ones.

We strive to honour and respect everyone who walks through our doors, creating personalised, holistic care plans based around their unique lifestyle, needs, and wishes. KYN residents living with dementia enjoy a wide programme of activities and therapies designed to stimulate the mind and body and receive guidance and support from our dedicated Dementia Lead. 

For more information about our dementia care homes, contact KYN today to request a call, brochure, or visit.