7 Things to Consider When Looking for a Dementia Care Home

Care homes across the UK have undergone significant transformations over the last few years, with a focus on tailored care and upgraded amenities. In this article, we take a look at what factors you should keep in mind when deciding on which residential care home is most suitable for your friend or loved one, especially if you are looking for a dementia care home as the condition presents many additional challenges that other care homes are not equipped to cope with.

If you are looking for a care home and the person concerned has not had a dementia diagnosis, this NHS dementia guide is helpful as a first step.

We hope the following 7 things to consider help you make the most appropriate choice when looking for a dementia care home for your loved one.

A Focus on Dementia Care

Specialisation in caring for residents with dementia: When looking for a home that is suitable for a family member or loved one, you should ensure that the home specialises in providing care for people with dementia.

Specialist dementia care means that the staff have specific training and experience in caring for people with dementia, and the environment of the home is designed to meet their unique needs.

Safety of the Home

Safety and security: Dementia residents often display sudden changes in behaviour and temperament – these changes in behaviour are often made worse during or after a move or change in routine.

Dementia residents may also wander, meaning the care home should be designed with the safety and security of residents with dementia in mind. Secure doors and windows, and staff who are trained to prevent wandering and other potentially dangerous behaviours are important.

Comfort and Quality Carers

Quality of care: It may seem quite obvious, but when exploring your options, it’s important that you look for a care home that is committed to providing high-quality care for people with dementia. This includes ensuring that staff are well-trained and supported and that there is a high staff-to-resident ratio.

It can be difficult to judge how comfortable and welcoming a care home is by just looking at a website; sometimes it’s best to visit a home in person and see how staff treat their guests and residents.

A tailored care approach

Personalised care: Each person with dementia will have unique care needs and preferences. Whilst comparing care homes, look for a care home that can provide a personalised care approach that takes into account the individual’s personality, history, and preferences.

Don’t forget that personal preferences may also include vegan or vegetarian diets and whilst your loved one may not now always realise what they are eating, adhering to their values is part of retaining their dignity.

Most homes will have reviews left by visitors of residents, which you may find value in reading.

Activities and events

Activities and social engagement: It’s important for people with dementia to have opportunities for social interaction and meaningful activities. Ensure that the care home that you choose provides frequent activities and gives residents the opportunity to interact with other people. Some homes will bring in specialist entertainers that cater for specialist care homes, for residents to interact with.

Easily accessible location

Location and accessibility: When looking at care homes, you should consider the location of the home and whether it’s easily accessible for family and friends to visit. You may also want to consider whether the care home is located near amenities such as parks, shops, and community centres for organised trips with carers.

Care fees

Care costs: For most people exploring different care home options, the cost of care is often the deciding factor, as care home costs can range quite significantly.

Before making a decision on a home, take a close look into what you’ll be paying for, as well as any additional services or amenities that may be offered. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the costs upfront and to ensure that you can afford the care in the long-term.

One example of a specialist dementia care home is Eldercroft. This home is based in Westcliff, Essex and is a smaller home that welcomes residents at different stages of dementia.