The advantages of live-in care for dementia patients

In the UK, live in care is now the fastest growing care option for older people, as round-the-clock support from a dedicated full-time carer is provided in the comfort of their own home. It is also becoming an increasingly popular choice for those following a diagnosis such as dementia. To coincide with Dementia Action Week (16th-22nd May), this blog aims to reveal why live-in care is one of the best options to offer long-term support to a loved one after a dementia diagnosis.

Firstly, what is live-in care?

Live in care is when a professional carer moves into a person’s home to offer one-to-one bespoke care and support, enabling as much independence as possible.

So, what are the benefits for dementia patients?

Live in care is an appealing option for people living with dementia for many reasons as outlined below.

Personalised and adaptable care around the clock
As a carer lives in the home, it means that they are available at a moment’s notice, fitting in around individual preferences, existing routines and requirements. Live in care plans are available to offer structure and outline clear expectations about the kind of support that’s required. They also help to provide greater transparency and establish simple lines of communication between a loved one and their carer. Care homes on the other hand can be rather rigid and often only offer generic care.

Specialist training
Many live-in carers are specially trained to handle more challenging conditions such as dementia and can provide high levels of care and support. Carers are carefully vetted and chosen for their specialist knowledge and skills.

Continuity and reassurance
Adapting to change can be a massive struggle, and new surroundings can cause enormous confusion and uneasiness, sometimes leading to a worsening of symptoms. A live-in care option enables patients to remain in their own environment, offering continuity and reassurance.

Remaining with loved ones
Choosing to have a live-in carer over moving into a residential care home means that loved ones can remain together. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, after two years of being separated from family, it’s now a priority for many to be close to friends and relatives. Live-in care means that family members and friends can visit as and when they wish.

Eases the pressure
Caring for somebody with dementia can be rather overwhelming at times, which is why having a live-in carer on hand to help ease the pressure can be really beneficial. It means that family and friends can spend time with their loved one in a relaxed way, rather than being drawn into being their carer full time.

A cheaper alternative 
There is a lot to consider when financing care, because although there are financial support schemes available, they usually require a complex means testing process. To afford care costs, many schemes require individuals to sell their homes and personal assets. However, live-in care is often cheaper and allows individuals to keep ownership of their homes.

In summary

When considering care options for a loved one, there are many things to take into account. From full-time residential care, to live-in care, there are multiple options available. For dementia patients however, it’s clear there are many benefits as to why live-in care is a preferable choice and continues to grow in popularity. Live-in care allows people living with dementia to feel empowered to continue to live their life to the fullest.