Care homes are always happy to answer any questions you might have, or just have an informal chat about the services they offer. You need to choose the care that is right for you, so if you are looking for a care home that specialises in dementia then here are some questions that it might be helpful to ask.

Support is available from the NHS and the adult social services of your local authority to help when living with dementia. The first step to finding out the help you may be entitled to is to book a care needs assessment.

Day care for people living with dementia is provided by adult day centres, to give people with dementia support and friendship, while also giving unpaid carers a break from their responsibilities.

Familiarity and stability of environment can be really important to the wellbeing of a person living with dementia. Employing a live in carer enables the person with dementia to receive full time care but within their own home, so without the upheaval of moving to a care home.

Spending time with and caring for someone with dementia can be difficult and everybody needs a break sometimes. There should be no guilt associated with looking at some respite care to make sure that you look after yourself too.

Care at home can be especially useful in the early stages of dementia, where the person needs some extra help but does not need to want to move to a care home.

There are two main types of care homes – residential and nursing. Specialised dementia care is offered by some residential care homes, but for long-term care, a nursing home will be best equipped.