Why Dementia Residential Care Could Be The Right Option for Your Family

If a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, you may find yourself facing uncharted waters. Perhaps you’ve been considering residential dementia care and weighing up if it’s the right choice for you and your family. There are many things to consider when looking at residential dementia care homes and, ultimately, it will be a personal choice. Here, we discuss what residential dementia care looks like, so you can decide if it’s the right option for now, or for sometime in the future.

What Is Dementia Residential Care?

Dementia residential care is a specific type of care service offered in care homes to people living with dementia. Residential dementia care homes are often purpose built to ensure that the needs of dementia patients are met. For example, at New Care Homes, the interiors are all subtly zoned and feature clear signposting throughout to help our dementia residents navigate their way around the home. 

Residential dementia care is a more focused level of care, where fully trained staff accommodate the needs of every resident living with dementia, helping them to overcome challenges and enjoy a good quality of life. 

Choosing Dementia Residential Care

Where you are in your dementia journey could help to determine if it’s time to look at care homes with residential dementia care. That said, there’s no right or wrong time to bring up the subject of residential dementia care. If you’re worried about an elderly person, and think that it could be time to look at residential dementia care homes, having that conversation before things progress could be a good idea. Whether you’re happy to keep your loved one at home for a little longer, or feel that they’re ready to move into a care home, discussing  residential dementia care while they’re still cognitively sound can help make the transition easier when the time comes.

The Benefits Of Residential Dementia Care Homes

Understanding the benefits that residential dementia care homes offer is a great first step towards knowing if they’re the right option. Caring for an elderly parent or loved one comes with its own challenges and rewards, but if you feel it might be time to look at dementia residential care, below are some of the reasons families make that choice.

Safety And Security

Dementia can cause confusion and may lead people to wander off on their own, which is understandably a cause for concern. In dementia residential care homes, safety and security is paramount, with spaces arranged for the comfort and convenience of residents, and staff on hand at all times to offer supervision. Knowing that your loved one is in a safe environment and can be monitored as necessary gives you and your family much-needed peace of mind.

Specialised Care

Taking care of someone with dementia can be challenging. Staff in residential dementia care homes have been trained in the demands of dementia patients and so understand the dos and don’ts of dementia care. Care is person-centred and individualised, providing maximum support in every way that your loved one needs it. Everything about residential dementia care, from eating to activities and therapies, is tailored to the needs of those living with dementia.

Care Plans

Care homes with residential dementia care will provide a detailed care plan for dementia residents to make sure every aspect of their care is managed correctly. Care plans will cover details like medication, ability to wash and dress, and things that are important and familiar to residents. A care plan can also include other caregivers’ information, such as doctors or family members.

Quality Of Life

Dementia can be an isolating illness. Residential dementia care homes offer opportunities for people to socialise and interact with others, be that other residents or staff. This is important for emotional and mental wellbeing. Care homes are also comfortable places, with plenty of outdoor space and purpose-built facilities like en-suite showers and accessible rooms. This also allows those who are still able to be as independent as possible.

Around-The-Clock Care

Proving 24/7 care at home can be very demanding. Dementia patients may suffer with sleep problems, and could need help and support at all times, and dementia residential care makes this possible. Care homes with residential dementia care have staff on hand at all times of day and night, so you know your loved one’s needs are being met around the clock.

A Shared Load

It’s ok to admit that caring for a loved one with dementia takes its toll, particularly when there are other responsibilities to consider, such as children, work, and maintaining a house. Choosing residential dementia care lightens the load, and significantly reduces stress for caregivers and family members. Family members can visit loved ones living in care homes with residential dementia care, and enjoy spending time with them in a place that is comforting and safe. For those who need a short term break to recharge, you can also access respite care, giving you peace of mind that your loved one is being looked after whilst you take some time for yourself.

Dementia Residential Care From New Care Homes

New Care Homes offer dementia residential care for those living with dementia. We have locations throughout the UK, and you’ll find purpose-built care homes designed to improve the quality of life for all of our dementia residents. Trained staff are on hand to care for your loved one around the clock, and we’ll work with you to create a personalised care plan.

Please contact us to find out more about our dementia residential care services, and how we can help you and your family take the next steps.