Dementia Care at Home vs. Nursing Home Care: Which Is Better?

Upon receiving a dementia diagnosis, patients have several care options to consider.

Those who want to remain at home can do so with in-home care. For those who need more help, a nursing home is the safest alternative.

If you can't decide between these two aged care services, this article is for you.

With dementia, the decision isn't just about care logistics. It's also about ensuring comfort and security during a challenging phase of life. 

You must think about your medical needs and the current state of your health. And those are just a few factors you need to go through. 

This "Dementia Care at Home vs. Nursing Home" article will help you decide. Will it be a nursing facility or in-home care?

What Is Dementia Home Care?

Most people with cognitive impairment are in need of special care services. This can include people living with:

1. Dementia
2. Alzheimer's disease
3. Other cognitive disorders

According to a 2024 report, there are more than 421,000 Australians living with all forms of dementia.

Patients with dementia face many safety risks. This holds especially true as the decline in cognitive abilities progresses. Not to mention the decline in the patient's mental health.

They need nonstop monitoring and specialised care. This type of care is best provided at home, where the patient feels most comfortable.

Many patients choose in-home care through Home Care Packages.

Home Care Packages (HCPs) are aged care services for elderly patients. They also include services and support for dementia patients. 

They entail skilled nursing care and help with daily living tasks. These services are for those who want to remain living at home. 

With HCPs, the patient can be independent at home. 

Here are some dementia services included in HCPs:

• Personal care
• Help with everyday tasks
• Medication management
• Meal preparation
• Light housekeeping
• Wound care
• Respite care
• Occupational therapy
• 24/7 services

The goal of in-home care is to improve the patient's quality of life at home. 

That way, they don't have to move to a nursing home and get separated from their family.

Dementia Supplements

Home Care Packages also include the dementia supplement for dementia patients. It's a form of government funding.

It's also called the dementia and cognition supplement. 

The subsidy rates are different depending on the HCP level. The higher the level, the more funding you will receive. 

Just like regular Home Care Packages, you must be eligible for this supplement. 

A diagnosis of dementia alone is not enough. The patient must also have moderate to severe cognitive impairment to be eligible.

Benefits of In-Home Care for Dementia Patients

In-home care services come with many benefits for dementia patients. Here are some of the most important ones:

• A familiar environment
• Living independently
• Help with everyday tasks
• Being able to stay with your family
• One-to-one attention
• Personalised care
• Peace of mind

Many families feel safer if their loved one receives care through a Home Care Package.

After all, patients often find comfort in familiar surroundings. In-home care allows them to remain in the place they know best. 

A memory home facility can be emotionally and physically stressful for the patient. A familiar environment can reduce confusion and anxiety.

Family members can also remain involved in the care of their loved ones.

Patients can stay independent with everyday activities. If they need help with anything, a home care provider will assist them.

In-home care is tailored to the patient's needs, preferences, and routines. This one-on-one attention is often more effective than care in a group setting.

Finally, the family will have peace of mind. They'll know their loved one is in safe hands.

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Are Nursing Homes Better for Dementia Patients?

At some point, the person living with dementia may need to move to an assisted living facility. 

This isn't an obligatory step, but in some cases, it's well-advised. 

Here are some factors to think about when making this decision:

1. The severity of the dementia
2. Required specialised care
3. Family resources and support
4. Medical needs
5. Personal preferences

They may still be able to live at home if the patient is in the early stages of dementia.

But, if the patient is already experiencing severe memory loss, a nursing home may be a better option.

Other complex care needs could also mean a memory care facility is advised. These residential homes offer non-stop care, so the patient is safe at all times.

It's always recommended to consult a healthcare professional. This decision can change both the patient's life and the lives of their closest ones.

Take the time to think about the best decision for you and your family.

Benefits of Nursing Homes for Dementia Patients

Moving to a nursing home can pay off more in some cases. 

Here are some of the reasons you might want to move to a memory care facility:

• Secure environment
• Memory care communities
• Structured routine
• 24/7 access to medical care
• Respite for caregivers
• Help from a registered nurse and skilled staff members

If your loved one moves to a nursing home, they will be safe 24/7. For those in the later stages of dementia, this is paramount. 

Since nursing homes are so safe, you won't have to worry about safety hazards. This includes risks of wandering, getting lost, or falling.

In nursing homes, the staff is trained to provide specialised services. They are tailored to the unique needs of dementia patients. 

Memory care facilities allow patients to enjoy structured daily routines. These routines can help them feel less confused and agitated.

Communal areas are often a part of these facilities.

Patients can take part in planned activities that promote social interaction. Doing so can help reduce depression and anxiety.

These facilities even provide relief for family caregivers. 

Caring for patients with dementia can be extremely difficult. That is why it's sometimes best to leave it to healthcare professionals.

Dementia Home Care vs. Nursing Home Care

Dementia care requires specialised training and skills.

While you can receive dementia care at memory care facilities, you can access it through Home Care Packages.

Haisey Home Care strives to help patients with dementia and memory loss. Our trained staff provides the utmost care to all our patients. 

We also offer specialised care services for those with complex needs.

You can rest assured your loved one is in capable hands.

If you're looking for long-term care options, we can help. Contact us if you want to know more. You can also book a free in-home consultation.

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