Finding the right care for a loved one with dementia is a big decision, especially when trying to get an understanding of the different types of dementia care that is available. With so many considerations, it’s important to get a clear picture on what the different types of dementia care mean, so you can choose the best support for your family’s needs. Dementia affects everyone differently, and care requirements often change as the condition progresses.
To help make that decision a little easier and take the pressure off, the team at Highgate Care have put together a guide on types of dementia care, ranging from home care services to full residential dementia care.
1) Home Dementia Care
Home care is often the first step when a loved one begins to need dementia care support but can still live independently. This type of dementia care is most appropriate for those with an early diagnosis for dementia or those with mild symptoms. There are a number of care providers in your local area who provide these services, with care professionals carrying out assessments and visiting your loved one at home to support with:
- Personal care involving help with washing, dressing, and taking medication.
- Companionship and conversation, which can reduce isolation and boost wellbeing.
- Household support, like preparing meals, light cleaning, and shopping.
This type of dementia care option allows your loved one to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, whilst receiving professional care to give them and your family reassurance and support in the early stages of a dementia diagnosis.
To learn more about home care, click here to discover Highgate Care’s service that supports families in Bridlington, Hull, Scarborough, Beverley and Driffield.
2) Dementia Day Care Services
Another type of dementia care for those with mild symptoms or in the early stages of a diagnosis is day care. This is a common dementia care service provided by many local care home providers. Offering structured support during the day, it gives carers time for work, rest, or other commitments while ensuring loved ones are safe and cared for.
For those looking into day care, it typically involves:
- Engaging activities such as music therapy, reminiscence sessions, or gentle exercise.
- Social interaction with others, which helps reduce loneliness.
- Nutritious meals and snacks tailored to individual needs.
Day care services are especially helpful if you want regular respite but don’t yet need full-time residential dementia care.
3) Respite Dementia Care
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be demanding. It can be mentally, emotionally and physically tiring, leaving carers needing a break.
Respite care provides an extra level of support for both carers and their loved ones, involving short-term stays in a care home, usually for two weeks, to give carers the opportunity to recharge. For their loved one, they are given personalised support, with care homes carrying out assessments before a respite stay is agreed to understand their needs and interests.
By taking time to get to know that individual and their family, a care home will create a respite package that caters to their care and wellbeing requirements, ensuring their two week stay is as comfortable as possible.
A typical respite stay for an individual needing dementia care will include:
- 24/7 personalised dementia care, benefitting from facilities like assisted bathing and crafted menus to suit dietary requirements.
- A safe, structured environment to keep individuals calm and give families/carers peace of mind.
- Social activities and companionship with other residents to form friendships.
When looking for dementia care, respite can act as a useful stepping stone for families, helping your loved one get used to the idea of staying in a care home should full-time residential care be needed in the near future.
4) Residential Dementia Care Homes
When dementia progresses and your loved one requires round-the-clock support, residential dementia care is often the recommended option. Care home providers like St Mary’s can put together person-centred care plans, taking into account the individual’s specific dementia diagnosis, other health needs and gaining an understanding of what they are like as a person. They will also put in place support for the individual’s family, providing guidance on the care their loved one needs at that moment and collaborate to assess future care requirements.
This type of approach is all about getting to know the person. It is about getting a full overview of their interests, hobbies, family and past life. By pulling this information together, care homes gain a well-rounded view of not just the care that is required, but also how the home can support the individual in all aspects to make sure they are able to live their life to the fullest.
With residential dementia care, care homes will usually offer the following services:
- 24-hour dementia-trained staff providing consistent and immediate care.
- Specialist dementia-friendly environments, with clear signage, calming spaces, and secure gardens.
- Person-centred care plans, focused on dignity, independence, and wellbeing.
- Nursing care for those with complex medical needs.
Moving into a residential dementia care home ensures your loved one is supported in a safe, structured community where their needs are fully met. Not only that, a home will focus on how the individual can still live a life as independently as possible, altering their approach depending on how the individual’s dementia progresses.
Choosing the Right Type of Dementia Care
Selecting the right care option depends on your loved one’s stage of dementia, their personal preferences, and your ability to provide ongoing support. Each type of dementia care has different benefits, and what works now may change as needs evolve.
Our managers across our Highgate Care Homes have the experience to be able to assess and advise on what type of dementia care is most suitable for your loved one at that present moment, as well as the likely steps to follow as their condition develops.
Helpful resources from charities like Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Friends provide guidance, local contacts, and practical advice to help families make informed decisions.
Exploring the different types of dementia care, whether it is day care or residential, helps ensure your loved one receives the right level of support at the right time. By understanding these dementia care options, you can make choices that improve quality of life, provide peace of mind, and ensure compassionate, specialist care every step of the way.