In Home Care or Care Facility: What's Best for Dementia Patients?

When a loved one has dementia, families face a tough decision: should they stay at home or move to a care facility? Dementia affects memory, behavior, and thinking, so each patient’s needs are unique. This blog explores the pros and cons of both options, with facts to help you make the best choice for your loved one.

Dementia in Australia: Understanding the Impact

Dementia is a growing health issue in Australia. Over 400,000 Australians have dementia, and this number is expected to rise as more people age. In 2020, dementia was the second leading cause of death in Australia, highlighting the need for good care options for those affected (AIHW, 2021).

Dementia patients often need help with daily tasks and are at a higher risk of falls and hospital visits. With the right support, they may stay safer and feel more comfortable. Knowing these facts can help families decide which care option is best.

Why Home Care Can Be Good for Dementia Patients

Many people with dementia prefer to stay at home. In fact, 85% of people with dementia want to remain in familiar surroundings. Home care allows them to stay in a comfortable and familiar place, which can help them feel safe and reduce stress. For a deeper dive into the benefits and services available through home care, check out our previous blog on Dementia Care: In-Home Care.

1. Safety in Familiar Surroundings

   Home care reduces the chance of falls or injuries that can happen in an unfamiliar place. Having a caregiver around can help lower these risks. Studies from the AIHW show that dementia patients with home support have fewer hospital visits. Families often find peace of mind knowing their loved one is safe at home.
   

2. Less Stress in a Familiar Environment

   Moving can be stressful and confusing for someone with dementia. Staying at home with familiar people, objects, and routines can help calm dementia patients and improve their quality of life. Moving can sometimes cause “transfer trauma,” increasing anxiety and worsening symptoms.
   

3. Companionship and Connection

   People with dementia often feel lonely, especially as socializing becomes more difficult. A caregiver can provide both emotional and physical support, offering one-on-one companionship that meets this need. Regular social interaction is important for mental health, particularly for home-bound patients.
   

4. A Sense of Independence

   Many dementia patients can still make simple decisions, like choosing what to eat or what activities to do. Home care lets them keep a routine and feel more in control of their lives, helping them feel less helpless.
   

5. Engaging Activities for Mental Stimulation

   Caregivers at home can involve patients in activities that are meaningful to them, like gardening, art, or listening to music. Keeping dementia patients active can help slow down cognitive decline. Simple, enjoyable activities make a difference in their mood and mental well-being.

   
   

   

   
   

Challenges of Home Care

While home care has many benefits, it can also be demanding. Providing 24-hour care at home can be tiring and expensive, especially if family members need to hire professional caregivers. The AIHW reports that dementia care costs in Australia are high and continue to increase. Families need to weigh the time, effort, and cost needed for home care.

Why Dementia Care Facilities May Be Better for Some Patients

For some families, a dementia care facility may be the best choice.  If your family is dealing specifically with vascular dementia, you may also find our guide on Dealing With Parents Who Have Vascular Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide helpful. These facilities offer professional supervision and structured care, which can be valuable for patients in later stages of dementia.

1. Specialized Care and Expertise

   Care facilities have trained staff who know how to care for dementia patients, including managing common behaviors like wandering and confusion. Access to healthcare professionals can be important, especially as dementia progresses.
   

2. Opportunities for Social Interaction

   Care facilities offer group activities that allow patients to socialize with others, which can be very helpful for mood and mental health. At home, it may be harder to provide these social opportunities, but in a facility, dementia patients have more chances to be around others.
   

3. Safety and 24/7 Supervision

   Care facilities have staff available 24/7, ensuring that patients are always safe. For families who cannot provide round-the-clock care, a facility may offer the support and peace of mind they need.
   

Comparing Costs of Care Options

Cost is an important factor in choosing between home care and facility care. The AIHW shows that care facilities often cost more than home care. With home care, families can choose which services they need, allowing them to control costs. However, if a patient needs constant help, even home care can become costly. It’s important for families to look at their budget and the level of care needed.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance for Each Patient

Deciding whether to keep a dementia patient at home or move them to a facility depends on their needs and the family’s ability to provide care. Home care offers comfort and familiarity, while care facilities provide structure and specialized support. Families should carefully consider what works best for their loved one, keeping in mind factors like safety, costs, and the patient’s comfort.

The Importance of Reliable Care for Dementia Patients

Whether care is provided at home or in a facility, reliability is essential for dementia patients. Dementia is unpredictable, and symptoms can vary greatly from day to day. Having a reliable caregiver ensures that patients receive consistent, compassionate support tailored to their unique needs. Reliable care reduces confusion and helps patients feel safe, respected, and valued. Reliable care is crucial in supporting dementia patients effectively—learn more about this in our post on The Impact of a Reliable Home Care Provider.

At My Companionship, we provide personalized in-home care tailored to each client’s needs, with transparent and competitive pricing:

• Support Worker Services: Starting at $69 per hour on weekdays

• Nursing Care: From $110 per hour on weekdays

• 24/7 Care: Available at $792 per 24-hour period on weekdays
  

For a full breakdown, please visit our Pricing Page.

We know care needs can change. Our team is committed to offering flexible solutions that adapt to your loved one’s needs, ensuring the best support at every stage.

For more information, visit our website.