Specialist Home Care for Dementia and Complex Needs: Why Staying at Home Matters

The growing need for dementia care

Dementia is now the leading cause of death in the UK, highlighting the enormous need for high‑quality care. Most people with dementia live at home in the early stages, but as the disease progresses they require increasing support with personal care, medication and daily activities. Home care, sometimes supplemented by day‑centre visits or respite stays, can enable people to remain in familiar surroundings and avoid the distress of moving to a care home.

Why people with dementia prefer home

Research suggests that 85 % of people with dementia want to stay in their own homes, because familiar environments reduce anxiety and help maintain identity. A sudden move to a care home can cause confusion, agitation and depression. At home, individuals can continue to enjoy their favourite chair, garden and local community. Family members and friends can visit at flexible times, which strengthens social connections and combats loneliness.

Benefits of specialist domiciliary care

Specialist dementia home‑care agencies provide carers trained to understand the behavioural and communication challenges associated with the disease. Carers learn techniques such as validation, redirection and reminiscence therapy. Bluebird Care, for example, reports that it upskilled 10 000 employees with dementia training to improve service quality and raise public awareness. Such training helps carers respond to agitation or confusion calmly, maintain routines, and support meaningful activities like gardening, crafts or listening to music. Home‑care providers also work closely with families to develop personalised care plans that respect individual preferences and life stories.

Tailoring the environment and routines

Another advantage of home care is the ability to tailor the physical environment. Carers can ensure that furniture is arranged to minimise fall risks, label drawers and cupboards to aid orientation, and use contrasting colours to highlight important objects. Assistive technologies like automatic night lights, stove monitors and GPS trackers reduce hazards while maintaining independence. Carers can also help maintain daily routines such as meals, hobbies and visits to local clubs, which support cognitive function and wellbeing.

When home care might not be enough

Despite these benefits, there may come a time when home care alone is insufficient. Dementia is progressive, and some individuals develop complex behaviours or medical needs that require continuous nursing supervision. In those cases, families might consider specialist care homes or memory care facilities. However, even then, home‑care services can provide respite and transitional support, helping the person adjust gradually to a new setting.

Empowering families

Families of people with dementia often feel overwhelmed by the diagnosis and the prospect of providing care. Home‑care agencies can offer respite care, giving family carers time to rest and recharge. Many providers also host carer support groups, dementia‑friendly activities and educational workshops on topics such as communication techniques, nutrition and legal planning. By partnering with a specialist provider, families can maintain their own health and relationships while ensuring their loved one receives compassionate, consistent care.