When Is It Time for Someone With Dementia to Move Into Care?

Supporting someone with dementia can be one of the most emotionally complex roles a person can take on. There’s no checklist or fixed timeline that applies to every family, but there are clear signs that can help you work out whether remaining at home is still working or whether a move to residential care may now be the safest and kindest option.

At Home Instead New Forest, we know this decision is never easy. This article aims to offer practical guidance and compassionate insight for families going through one of life’s toughest transitions.

There are often a number of practical and emotional indicators that a move into a care home should be considered. These may include:

Struggles With Daily Tasks

• Forgetting to eat or drink regularly

• Inability to manage hygiene routines

• Dressing inappropriately for the weather or situation

These may sound minor at first, but taken together, they can put a person’s wellbeing at serious risk.

Safety Concerns

• Repeated falls

• Forgetting to switch off the hob or leaving taps running

• Wandering outdoors and becoming disoriented

Such incidents can have life-altering consequences. If the person can no longer safely manage their environment, it may no longer be in their best interests to remain there.

Increasing Health Needs

Following hospital stays or periods of rapid deterioration, 24-hour care may become necessary—something that is difficult to provide at home, even with regular carer visits.

Behavioural Changes

• Aggression, anxiety, or constant repetition

• Night-time restlessness and disturbed sleep patterns

• Difficulty recognising familiar people or surroundings

These behaviours can be distressing both for the person with dementia and for those around them.

Family Carer Burnout

The person you care for isn’t the only one who matters. If your physical or emotional wellbeing is suffering, it may be time to ask what support is available—not only for them, but for you too.

When home is no longer the right place, moving to a specialist dementia care setting can provide:

24-Hour Support

Trained carers can help with washing, dressing, eating, and managing medication—all day and night.

Skilled and Understanding Staff

Teams are trained to respond with patience and empathy, understanding the emotional and behavioural challenges that come with dementia.

Safety by Design

Care homes are often designed with secure outdoor spaces, clear signage, and colour-coded environments to help reduce confusion and increase independence.

Structure and Routine

Familiar daily rhythms—meals, group activities, quiet time—can reduce anxiety and help maintain a sense of purpose.

Social Connection

Regular interaction, shared dining, music therapy, or sensory sessions can offer meaningful engagement and help prevent isolation.

If your loved one still has mental capacity, they should be part of the decision as much as possible.

If they do not, then:

• A person holding Lasting Power of Attorney (Health and Welfare) has the legal authority to make decisions

• If no LPA is in place, a best-interest decision will be made by professionals such as doctors or social workers, in collaboration with family

The focus should always remain on what supports the individual’s dignity, safety, and emotional wellbeing.

Costs can vary widely:

• Assisted living may start at £45,000 per year

• Nursing care may cost between £80,000 and £90,000 annually

• Private dementia care rooms may reach £100,000 or more

If the person’s assets fall below the financial threshold, they may be eligible for help from the local authority. Those with complex health needs might also qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. A financial assessment will clarify what’s available.

At Home Instead New Forest, we understand that deciding when someone with dementia should move into care is never easy. It’s emotional, often overwhelming, and deeply personal.

If you’re unsure what the right next step looks like, you don’t have to work it out on your own. Our team offers compassionate, professional advice tailored to your family’s unique situation. Whether you’re exploring live-in care options, need help understanding what support is available, or simply want to talk through your concerns, we’re here to help.

We support families across the New Forest, including Lymington, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, Hythe, Totton, and the surrounding areas, offering bespoke care services that prioritise dignity, safety, and comfort at home—for as long as it’s right.

📞 Call us on 01590 637 250 or visit homeinstead.co.uk/new-forest to speak with our friendly, local team.

You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. What matters most is that your loved one gets the care they need, in the setting that’s best for them. And we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.