Dementia – home care or aged care home?

Caring for a person with dementia can present fulfilling aspects, but we acknowledge it can sometimes be quite demanding as well. While caring for someone can bring a sense of personal development, closeness, and even happiness, it may also result in fatigue, stress and isolation. The financial strain and feelings of inadequacy that comes with it, are also common experiences for caregivers. 

Respite or full-time care options are available for those needing a break from caregiving duties. This includes residential aged care homes, like Estia Health, providing round-the-clock nursing care tailored to individual needs. 

What is the difference between dementia care at home versus a residential aged care home?  

Making the decision between caring at home versus arranging residential aged care for your loved one can be both difficult and stressful. Knowing about the services, government policies and costs of residential care beforehand can help you make the best decision, even if it has to be made quickly. 

Visit our essential guide to help you get started and a variety of blogs with helpful advice on entering aged care. 

Where do you start?  

The first place to begin is with your doctor. He or she will help you to decide whether or not you can practically still continue to take care of your loved one at home with the resources you have. If you cannot, then they will advise you of the types of residential care available. From high care to low care to a memory support unit. If you can look after your loved one at home, then the support services available are listed in this article.

Living at home:  

For seniors living with dementia, living at home is often ideal because it provides them with benefits like living comfortably within their surroundings, a higher level of trust in their caregivers and more personalised attention. In Home Care is also considerably less expensive than residential care. Additionally, seniors living with dementia may feel calmer, and as though they have a greater sense of control, less regimentation of their daily activities and routine which generally leads to feeling happier and more secure. This is beneficial to mental and physical health.

Finding Support: 

Dementia Australia is an accredited organisation that works in partnership with the Australian Government to support people living with dementia, their families and carers. Their support system includes a national helpline, counselling, education and more. 

Carer Gateway is a national network of providers who offer support via phone, in-person and online services for unpaid carers, including counselling, peer support groups, access to emergency support, among others. 

For more information about Caring for someone living with dementia visit My Aged Care. 

Living with dementia in a residential aged care home 

Aged care residences have qualified nurses on-site around the clock to provide medical care as needed. They also help people with personal care and support them to engage in physical activity. The residence will also be secure and have social opportunities that may not have been possible at home. Surrounded by their peers in the same age group, some residents find it nice to have people their age to talk to and engage in activities with. Reducing their feelings of isolation and depression.    

For many, the benefits of living in an aged care residence outweigh the negatives. Residential care allows elderly individuals to receive the care they need without making drastic changes to their everyday lives.  

It's essential for caregivers to prioritise self-care, seek support from family, friends, and access resources such as respite care to ease some of the challenges associated with care giving. At Estia Health, all of our homes offer a person-centred care approach, with most having a dedicated Memory Support Unit.

Contact one of our friendly team to take the next step by enquiring here or call 1300 682 833.