Dementia care home options: what you need to know
Choosing the right care for a loved one with dementia can be an emotional and overwhelming decision. Dementia care homes provide specialised support designed to meet the needs of people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They can also offer a safe environment with trained staff providing tailored care 24/7.
It’s important to consider your loved one’s needs and preferences, as well as the cost when looking at all options available, from dementia residential care to memory care facilities or a Live-in Carer who moves into the home to provide support. The best place for them to receive care can also depend on the stage of their dementia and the amount of support that they require.
This guide explores the various types of dementia care homes and their differences, along with our suggestions on how to choose the best one for your loved one. It also discusses different Dementia Care options so you and your family can enjoy peace of mind knowing your loved one with dementia is receiving the right type of care.
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Does your loved one need support at home?
If your loved one has dementia and needs extra support at home, our friendly Care Assistants can help. Our Care Teams provide high quality Dementia Care that supports your loved one with managing daily routines, medication reminders and attending appointments. Find your local Alina Homecare Team to see how we can help make life easier.
Understanding dementia and the need for specialised care
Dementia is more than just memory loss. It affects a person’s mental health and makes carrying out simple tasks more difficult. There are many types of dementia and as it’s a progressive disease, it will develop and worsen over time.
Because of this, it’s important to ensure your loved one has a full check up with a healthcare professional to understand their care needs and confirm how advanced their dementia is. As their dementia progresses, you may find they need additional help to carry out daily tasks safely.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.1 It affects how people think, remember things and make choices. Almost 1 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with dementia, with this number predicted to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.2
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells which can result from various diseases, conditions or injuries that affect the brain’s structure and function. Whilst they often present similar symptoms, there are different types of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, followed by Vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.
How dementia affects daily living
The symptoms of dementia can vary from person to person, but often include memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating and experiencing problems with language or decision making. People may struggle with familiar tasks, experience mood changes or become withdrawn. Symptoms typically worsen over time, affecting independence and daily life.
In the early stage, people with dementia may experience slight memory loss, for example forgetting what they did that morning or misplacing items. As the condition progresses, they may begin to forget things that are detrimental to their health such as taking medication and remembering to eat meals. Dementia can also lead to confusion and paranoia which can make simple daily tasks difficult to complete, such as bathing and shopping for groceries, which impacts quality of life.
When to consider additional support for your loved one with dementia
Knowing when it’s time to arrange extra support for your loved one with dementia can be challenging given that it’s a sensitive and emotional decision. Recognising when they would benefit from additional support to manage their diagnosis is a pivotal step in maintaining their quality of life and safety. You may want to consider getting some extra help when daily tasks, such as managing personal hygiene routines or taking medication correctly, become difficult to complete. In this situation, Dementia Care at Home can be a suitable choice if your loved one doesn’t yet require full time support.
Disorientation, increased forgetfulness, mood swings or withdrawal from social activities are often signs that dementia is advancing and that a more structured care routine could be beneficial. You might also see changes in sleep, increased anxiety in new situations or difficulty recognising familiar people and places. These changes can happen gradually, but seeking support early can ease stress, prevent accidents and bring comfort to you and your loved one.
It’s also wise to pursue a formal assessment if symptoms are consistently interfering with daily life. Early dementia testing through cognitive assessments and medical evaluations can help you understand how far your loved one’s dementia has progressed and what type of support they’ll need. Read our dementia test guide to learn more about what’s involved.
Types of dementia care homes in the UK
Dementia care homes are designed to support people living with varying stages of memory loss and cognitive decline. They offer a safe environment where daily needs are met through tailored care from trained staff. The type of dementia care home that’s right for your loved one will depend on their level of independence, medical requirements and the kind of support they need to ensure a good quality of life.
Residential care homes focus on supporting your loved one with their daily routines in a safe environment. A dementia nursing home combines this support with full time medical care from qualified nurses, making them suitable for people with complex medical needs alongside dementia. Specialist memory care units provide secure spaces tailored to those with significant cognitive challenges, with activities and structured routines designed to stimulate engagement and maintain skills.
Understanding the different types of dementia care homes and the benefits of each, can help you make an informed decision that balances safety, comfort and quality of life for your loved one.
Residential care homes for dementia
Residential care homes for dementia
Residential care homes provide a safe and secure environment for people who are no longer able to live independently and safely in their own homes. Care home staff help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals and taking medication.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, roughly 70% of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems.3 Because of this, many residential care homes are designed with dementia friendly layouts. This includes clear signage, calming decor and easy to navigate spaces to reduce confusion. Look for how a care home engages with residents through a range of activities, such as gentle exercise or music therapy, aimed at stimulating memory and promoting positive wellbeing.
Dementia residential care homes are ideal for people who are in the earlier stages of memory loss. Whilst staff can help your loved one take their medication and provide reminders, they typically don’t provide medical support. If their dementia is advanced or they have certain medical needs, a residential dementia care home may not be the most suitable option.
Nursing homes for dementia
Nursing homes for dementia
Nursing homes offer support with daily living and personal hygiene whilst also providing round the clock medical support from qualified nurses. They’re ideal for people with dementia who also have complex health needs, mobility challenges or require frequent medical interventions. They’re often equipped with specialist beds, hoists and monitoring systems to ensure safety and comfort for all residents.
A lot of people who are in nursing homes have dementia. Because of this, many facilities have dedicated dementia wings that provide a secure, familiar environment where routines are maintained and residents can benefit from tailored activities. Nursing home staff work closely with healthcare professionals to monitor health, adjust treatments and support both cognitive and physical wellbeing.
Memory care facilities
Memory care facilities
Memory care facilities are purpose built or specially adapted areas within care homes designed for residents with moderate to advanced dementia. They offer a secure and reassuring environment where residents can feel safe and supported. Memory care facilities usually incorporate clear signage, calming decor and familiar layouts into their design to reduce confusion or agitation.
Daily routines are often structured to provide stability for people with dementia to promote feelings of familiarity and comfort. Ask about how residents are encouraged to participate in meaningful recreational activities such as gardening, arts and crafts or listening to music. Staff within memory care facilities are trained specifically in how to care for people with dementia. This includes communication techniques and behaviour support to ensure residents are cared for with understanding and respect.
Choosing the right dementia care home
Choosing the right dementia care home for your loved one is a big decision and it can feel overwhelming with so many options available. The right home should provide safety, comfort and high quality care while also meeting your loved one’s needs now and in the future as their condition progresses.
When comparing different types of dementia care homes, it can be helpful to focus on both the practical and emotional aspects of care. You should consider what level of support is needed to meet your loved one’s needs. Do they only need support with personal hygiene or skilled nursing care for medical needs? The cost, location and visiting arrangements needs to be considered. The home’s atmosphere, its’ staff and the opportunities for social interaction are also important to think about. Finding the right balance will give your loved one the best possible quality of life in a supportive environment.
It can be helpful to understand what makes each type of care home for dementia different. It can also be beneficial to know the differences between moving into a care home and receiving Dementia Care at home. Here are some of the main differences.
| Residential care home | Nursing home | Memory care facility | Dementia Home Care | Dementia Live-in Care | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support available 24/7 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Specialist dementia trained staff | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Support with medication | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Complex medical needs managed | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Provides end of life care | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dementia friendly layouts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Structured activities & therapies | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Higher staff to resident ratio | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dementia only environment | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best for advanced dementia | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
Questions to ask when visiting care homes
If you’re able to, it’s a good idea to visit different dementia care homes in person before making a decision. A visit not only helps you get a feel for the environment and the facilities available but also gives you the opportunity to see how staff interact with residents and whether the home feels like the right fit for your loved one.
During your visit, asking the right questions can give you a real insight into the quality of care they provide and whether the home can meet your loved one’s needs now and in the future. Make sure you take notes or make a checklist so you can compare different homes afterwards when making your decision.
Here are some questions you may want to ask during your visit:
- How is the environment designed to support memory loss and reduce confusion?
- Are staff specifically trained in Dementia Care and communication techniques?
- What types of activities, therapies and social opportunities are offered?
- Do they provide care for someone with advanced dementia?
- How do they create and update tailored care plans?
- How do they involve families in care decisions and updates?
- What measures are in place to keep residents safe and secure?
- What’s your Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating?
These questions can help you feel more confident in your choice, ensuring your loved one receives the highest quality care in a safe, supportive and compassionate environment.
Check reviews and ratings
When choosing a dementia care home, it’s important to check its reviews and CQC ratings. This is to get a comprehensive view of what the home is like beyond just brochures and first impressions. Independent reviews and official ratings through inspections can give you a much clearer picture of the quality of care provided and offer greater peace of mind for families.
Throughout England, the CQC inspects and regulates all care homes, including those offering Dementia Care. Their ratings cover key areas such as safety, effectiveness, leadership and how well staff respond to residents’ needs. A care home rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ is usually a good sign of high standards, whereas ratings of ‘Requires Improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’ highlight potential concerns. You can check these ratings easily online through the CQC website. At Alina Homecare, we offer a range of care services where we visit your own home. We’re proud to say all our services are rated Good or Outstanding by the CQC.
It can also be beneficial to read independent reviews on websites like carehome.co.uk, where families and residents share their personal experiences. These reviews often highlight aspects such as staff friendliness, quality of support provided, the food and overall atmosphere in the home. This can be important as you may not pick up on these from a short visit.
Involve family in the decision making process
Choosing a dementia care home is not just about the person with dementia, as family members play a crucial role too. By talking openly with not just your loved one with dementia, but the wider family too, you can understand their preferences, concerns and wishes. As a result, this fosters trust, encourages shared responsibility and ensures that decisions take into account both practical and emotional considerations.
Support groups can also be a valuable resource. They provide families with knowledge, practical tips and emotional support. This can help everyone navigate the process of selecting a care home, which can feel overwhelming.
Costs and funding options for dementia care homes
The cost of dementia care homes in the UK can vary widely depending on different factors. This includes the type of care home, the level of support your loved one needs and the location. Residential care homes, nursing homes and specialist memory care facilities all have different fees which cover accommodation, personal care, medical support and daily activities.
Some people choose to pay for the care privately through personal savings or income, while others may qualify for support. Social services can assess eligibility and guide families on how to access funding options. Additionally, government benefits and allowances (such as Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Credit) can help reduce the cost of receiving Dementia Care, depending on eligibility.
Planning is key to keeping Dementia Care costs manageable. It can be helpful to seek advice from your local council or a financial planning expert who understands Dementia Care funding. By understanding the costs and planning early, you can ensure your loved one receives high quality continuous care with less financial stress. Preparing in advance also gives peace of mind that funding is in place for both current and future needs. If you’re concerned about paying for your loved one to move into a dementia care home and need financial aid, there are different funding options available.
Dementia Home Care can be more cost effective than moving into a care home. This is because families typically pay only for the specific support and hours of care needed rather than covering the high overhead costs of care homes. Additionally, receiving care at home can reduce expenses related to accommodation, meals and additional services that are usually included in care home fees.
Please note: the summary of options provided below is for information purposes only. Alina Homecare is not authorised to provide financial advice. It’s recommended you seek professional advice from a registered advisor before considering some of the following options.
The local authority in your area may contribute towards the cost of Dementia Care. If you are not eligible for financial support, the local authority is still required to provide information and guidance on how to access help in your community.
A Financial Assessment Officer will visit your loved one’s home to review their financial situation. This includes looking at their income, pensions, benefits, savings and property. Based on this assessment, they’ll calculate how much your loved one is expected to contribute:
- If assets are valued above £23,250, your loved one will need to cover the full cost
- If assets are valued between £14,250 and £23,250, the local authority will contribute towards your loved one’s care
- If assets are valued below £14,250, the local authority will cover the cost of care, although eligible income may still be taken into account 4
Even if your loved one isn’t eligible for local authority funding, you may still qualify for state benefits, depending on your personal circumstances. To learn more, contact the social services department of your local council.
The Continuing Healthcare (CHC) scheme is a package of care and support that’s arranged and fully funded by the NHS for people aged 18 or over, outside of a hospital setting. Unlike other funding options, eligibility for CHC is not based on having a specific condition or diagnosis. Instead, it depends on an assessment of your overall needs. The criteria considered include:
- The type of help required
- How complex your loved one’s needs are
- How intense your loved one’s care needs can be
- How unpredictable your loved one’s condition is
- The level of risk to your loved one’s health if the right care is not provided promptly 5
If you think your loved one may be eligible, you can learn more and start the application process by visiting the NHS Continuing Healthcare website.
Personal Independent Payment (PIP) is a state benefit designed to help cover the extra costs of living with a long term health condition. It’s available to people aged 16 to State Pension age (currently 65) who meet the following criteria:
- Have a long term physical or mental health condition or disability
- Find it difficult to carry out everyday tasks or move around because of their condition
PIP is made up of two parts:
- Daily living – support for those who need help with daily activities such as eating, washing or dressing
- Mobility – support for people who need help getting around due to physical, sensory, mental or learning difficulties
Importantly, PIP is tax free and available whether you are working or not. It is not means tested, so your income or savings do not affect eligibility. 6
For more detailed guidance and information on how to apply, you can visit the UK Government website on Personal Independence Payment.
Other options for Dementia Care
Moving into a care home isn’t the only option when supporting a loved one with dementia. Many families choose to explore alternatives that allow their loved one to stay in familiar surroundings, maintain independence for longer and receive dedicated care tailored to their unique needs. From help at home to community based support, there are a variety of services designed to provide flexibility, reassurance and comfort for different stages of dementia.
These options can be particularly valuable if your loved one is in the earlier stages of dementia or if you and your family want to remain closely involved in their care. Services such as Home Care, Live-in Care, day centres and assisted living communities all provide different levels of support. Choosing the right approach depends on your loved one’s needs, preferences and lifestyle.
Dementia Home Care
Dementia Home Care provides support for people living with dementia in the comfort of their home. This service includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, shopping for groceries and taking medication on time. Carers also offer companionship and a friendly face to support emotional wellbeing, which can be especially valuable for someone with dementia.
One of the key benefits of Dementia Home Care is that it allows your loved one to remain at home and maintain a sense of familiarity. This can greatly reduce feelings of stress and confusion for people living with dementia. Care plans are tailored to individual needs so support can be adjusted as their condition changes.
At Alina Homecare, we provide award winning Dementia Home Care throughout the South of England. We can support your loved one by completing daily tasks so they can continue to live at home safely and as independently as possible. Our Care Assistants are fully trained and ready to deliver high quality Dementia Care. To learn more, contact your local Team.
Download leaflet
Request a copy of our Dementia Care leaflet.
Dementia Live-in Care
Dementia Live-in Care involves having a Live-in Carer move into your loved one’s home to provide care around the clock. This service offers support and reassurance whenever it’s needed, which can be especially valuable for people living with dementia who may feel confused or anxious, particularly at night or in the early hours of the day. Dementia Live-in Care is particularly beneficial for people who need full time support but don’t want to move into a care home.
Live-in Carers provide families with peace of mind, knowing someone is always present to support their loved one with dementia. Care plans are fully personalised, giving Carers the flexibility to respond to changing needs and preferences. This continuous support helps maintain routines, reduces the risk of accidents and allows your loved one to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their home for longer.
Our Dementia Live-in Care service at Alina Homecare provides round the clock award winning care for people living with dementia. We’ll work with you and your loved ones to create a comprehensive care plan that’s tailored to meet your loved one’s exact needs. Our Live-in Carers are fully trained in Dementia Care through our exclusive Academy and are ready to provide reliable support to help your loved one live safely, comfortably and with dignity. To learn more, contact your local Team.
Dementia Respite Care
Dementia Respite Care offers short term support for people with dementia so family members or primary carers can take time for themselves to rest, recover or manage other commitments. This break can range from a few hours per week to several weeks at a time. Beyond providing practical support with daily routines, Dementia Respite Care gives the opportunity for your loved one to engage in different activities and meet different Carers, which can be stimulating and beneficial for their emotional wellbeing.
Whilst Dementia Respite Care can take place in your loved one’s home or a care home, a lot of families choose to receive it at home. This is because it means your loved one doesn’t have to go through the upheaval and stress of moving, which can be especially difficult for someone with dementia.
Alina Homecare offers high quality Dementia Respite Care tailored to your loved one’s needs. Our trained Care Assistants will visit the home and step in seamlessly, providing companionship, assistance with daily tasks and peace of mind for families. Contact your local Team today to learn more about how we can help.
Dementia day care centres
These centres provide structured support and social interaction for people living with dementia during the day, typically at a dedicated place within the local community. Individuals can take part in activities such as music sessions, gentle exercise and memory games that are designed to stimulate cognitive function and encourage social engagement.
For families and primary caregivers, day care centres offer a valuable break, allowing time to rest, work or manage other responsibilities. Regular attendance can help maintain a routine, reduce feelings of isolation and promote emotional wellbeing.
It’s important to note, however, that this service typically doesn’t take care of the practical support typically required by someone living with dementia. As a result, your loved one may require additional support on top of this at home if they’re finding it difficult to live independently.
Assisted living for dementia
Assisted living communities can be a good option for people with dementia who need additional support but want to maintain their independence for as long as possible. Residents live in their own apartments or rooms with access to shared facilities and communal activities. Staff are on hand round the clock to help with daily tasks such as personal hygiene, preparing meals and providing medication reminders while also encouraging residents to stay engaged in a supportive environment.
These communities often provide a balance of independence and reassurance, giving families peace of mind that their loved one has help nearby if needed. For those in the early to mid stages of dementia, assisted living can offer safety, social interaction and a sense of community without the more intensive care and structure of a care home.
Quick questions
What is the difference between a care home and a nursing home for dementia?
The main difference between a care home and a nursing home for dementia is the level of medical support provided. Care homes focus on support with daily living, such as help with washing, dressing, preparing meals and daily activities. Nursing homes, on the other hand, have qualified healthcare professionals on site 24/7 to manage medical needs alongside Dementia Care, making them more suitable for people with complex health conditions.
How do I know when my loved one needs a dementia care home?
You may know it’s time to consider a dementia care home when your loved one’s needs become too difficult to manage safely at home. Signs include increased confusion, wandering, changes in behaviour or struggling with daily activities. If their safety or wellbeing is at risk or if caring responsibilities are becoming overwhelming for family members, a care home may provide the right level of support.
Can people with advanced dementia benefit from care homes?
Yes, people with advanced dementia can benefit from care homes. These settings are designed to provide round the clock support for care needs, including help with mobility, personal hygiene support, preparing meals and managing medication. Staff understand the challenges of advanced dementia and can provide a safe and calm environment to reduce stress.
The type of care home your loved one with dementia will benefit from most depends on their needs. If they have advanced dementia or complex medical needs, a specialised memory care facility or dementia nursing home may be more suitable than a residential care home.
Are there dementia care homes that support couples?
Yes, some dementia care homes can support couples. These homes recognise the importance of keeping partners together, even when one or both of them may need additional care. This can be especially beneficial for people with dementia as it can reduce stress and promote feelings of security and comfort.
Couples may be able to share a room or live in the same home while receiving tailored support to meet their individual needs. However, this is not offered by all care homes and it depends on how advanced your loved one’s dementia is. It’s best to ask care homes directly about their options for couples when exploring placements.
It’s also worth noting that both people have to pay care home fees, which can make a dementia care home particularly expensive for couples. By comparison, visiting Home Care or Live-in Care can be more cost effective as the cost of care remains similar for one or two people.
How can I ensure the quality of care in a dementia care home?
You can do this by looking at independent reviews, visiting in person and asking key questions to get an understanding of the quality of care provided. It’s also important to look at CQC ratings, which assess safety, effectiveness and overall standards through comprehensive inspections. By combining official reports and independent reviews from other families, you can feel more confident that the care home you choose provides compassionate, high quality care for people with dementia.
Are there any other Dementia Care options?
Yes, there are several Dementia Care options beyond moving into a care home. Families may consider Home Care, where trained Care Assistants visit to provide daily support, or Live-in Care, which offers round the clock care in the comfort of the home. Day care centres can provide social interaction and structured activities, while Respite Care gives short term support to relieve family members or primary carers. Assisted living facilities may also be suitable for those in earlier stages of dementia who still want some independence but with access to care when needed. Exploring these options helps you find the most appropriate support for your loved one’s needs.
References
1. Alzheimer’s Association, “What is dementia?“, Reviewed 03 September 2025
2. Alzheimer’s Society, “What are the costs of dementia diagnosis and care in the UK“, Reviewed 03 September 2025
3. Alzheimer’s Society, “Facts for the media about dementia“, Reviewed 03 September 2025
4. Age UK, “Paying for residential care“, Reviewed 03 September 2025
5. NHS, “NHS continuing healthcare“, Reviewed 03 September 2025
6. Gov.uk, “Personal Independent Payment (PIP)“, Reviewed 03 September 2025