Support &
guidance
Eight questions to ask a care home about dementia care
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.
NHS dementia care
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.
Dementia day care
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.
Live in dementia care
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.
Financial products for care
There are a range of financial products available to help you provide funding for long-term care in your old age.
Dementia respite care
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.
Long-term care insurance
Pre-funded long-term care insurance provides a regular income which can be used to pay care home fees or the cost of care within a person’s own home.
Please note that long-term care insurance policies are no longer sold (although some limited alternatives are available).
Dementia home care
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.
Dementia care homes
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.
Paying for care using your property
Selling your home is one of the most common means of paying for a care home in the UK. But you may be able to delay selling your home, or avoid it altogether.