When someone you love is diagnosed with dementia, it’s completely natural to feel uncertain about what comes next. One of the biggest decisions families face is whether to support their loved one at home or explore a residential care home.
At Aria Care, we understand just how emotional and complex this choice can be. That’s why we’re here to help guide you through the differences and show how the right choice can make a real difference in a person’s quality of life.
What Is Dementia Care
Dementia care is specialised support for people living with memory loss, confusion, and other symptoms that affect daily life. It can involve everything from help with medication and meals to emotional support and personal care. The aim is always to help someone live as comfortably and independently as possible, in a way that respects their dignity and personality.
Dementia care is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Each person is unique, so their care should be too. That means taking the time to understand who they are – their likes, routines, hobbies, memories – and tailoring the care around that. Whether it’s a favourite song, a hobby they once loved, or a certain time of day they feel most relaxed, it’s those personal touches that make all the difference.
Advanced Stages Of Dementia
As dementia progresses, it can become increasingly difficult for a person to live safely and comfortably at home. There may come a point where even with home care support, the challenges become too much to manage without professional help. This can be a deeply emotional time for families, especially if they’ve been caring for someone at home for a long time.
Signs that more advanced support might be needed include:
- Difficulty with basic daily tasks like eating, bathing, or dressing
- Wandering or confusion about time and place
- Sudden changes in behaviour or mood
- Trouble recognising family or familiar surroundings
- Increased risk of falls or safety concerns
For many families, this is the stage where they start to look into options of professional care for their loved ones. It’s not about giving up – it’s about ensuring they’re surrounded by the right kind of support, 24/7, from people who truly understand dementia.
Treatment Options For Dementia
There are several different types of dementia care available. Some people may start with support at home, through carers who visit daily or live-in carers. This can work well in the early stages of dementia, especially if someone is still quite independent.
Dementia care at home offers comfort and familiarity – staying in their own space, with familiar surroundings and routines. But it can also place a lot of pressure on family members or partners, especially as care needs increase. Over time, managing medications, personal care, and unpredictable behaviours can become incredibly difficult without professional support.
Residential care offers a more structured setting with trained teams who provide 24/7 care for elderly residents. At Aria Care, we create a warm, homely environment where individuals feel safe, valued, and included. There are routines and consistency, but also flexibility – with activities, therapies and quiet spaces all designed to meet different needs.
Choosing between these options can be daunting, but the good news is that there are options – and support. You can find out more about how we help people live well with dementia here.
What Is Residential Care
Residential care simply means moving into a care home where round-the-clock support is available. It’s a big step, and understandably comes with concerns – Will it feel like home? Will they be happy? Will they be looked after properly?
At Aria Care, our homes are designed to feel welcoming and personal. They’re not clinical or impersonal – they’re places where people are known by name, where routines are respected, and where families can feel reassured that their loved ones are in safe hands.
Our residential care home facilities offer a blend of comfort, community, and professional care. It’s not just about help with day-to-day needs – it’s about building connections, offering stimulation, and making sure every resident feels seen and heard.
You can learn more about residential care with us here.
Benefits Of Residential Care
There are many reasons why residential care can be the right choice, especially for those in the later stages of dementia:
- Being part of a community – Living in a care home means being around others. For people who may feel isolated at home, this can have a huge impact on wellbeing.
- Person-centred care – Every resident is different. Our teams get to know each person and tailor care to suit them, from how they like their tea to what calms them when they’re anxious.
- Activities and social opportunities – From music sessions and art to gardening and games, there are always ways to stay active and engaged.
- Expert support – Our teams are experienced in supporting people with dementia, and know how to manage challenging situations with compassion and skill – something that can be overwhelming for families to handle alone.
When care needs grow more complex, it’s not always possible to provide the right level of support at home. Residential care offers peace of mind – for the person receiving care, and for their loved ones too.
If you’re starting to explore care options, we’re here to help. You can learn more about the different types of care available here.
