Dementia Nursing Care - A Complete Guide
What is dementia nursing care?
Specialist dementia nursing care provides expert support for those living with dementia, delivered by fully-qualified nurses. Nursing care for dementia can support those living with advanced dementia symptoms, or those diagnosed with a complex or long-term health condition in addition to dementia.
Do dementia patients need nursing care?
A dementia diagnosis can manifest itself in different symptoms for different people. Whether dementia patients need nursing care depends upon the type and level of support that each individual requires in order to live well with dementia.
Not all those living with dementia will require nursing care, however, a nursing care home which specialises in dementia support can be a good option for those who expect the severity of their dementia symptoms to increase with time.
When do dementia patients need nursing care?
Dementia nursing care is generally delivered within specialist care homes which offer a safe, secure and stimulating environment for those living with dementia, alongside professional nursing care for those who need round-the-clock support to safely manage their medical conditions.
The right time to consider dementia nursing care will vary according to individual circumstances and symptoms, but will generally be appropriate when the individual or their loved ones are struggling to manage their dementia care needs alongside any long-term or complex medical conditions which they live with.
Seeking expert support at this time can relieve the emotional burden of caregiving from loved ones, as well as ensuring the individual’s dementia nursing care requirements can be managed by qualified professionals.
Should I choose a care home or a nursing home for dementia?
Care provided in residential care homes is generally split into three specialisms, sometimes called ‘pathways’. These are residential care, dementia support and nursing care.
Residential care homes can offer support with personal care, day-to-day tasks and medication. They can also assist those with mild dementia symptoms.
Dementia care homes provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment for those living with dementia, and offer specialist support for individuals living with more advanced dementia symptoms.
Nursing care homes offer a less clinical alternative to hospitals for individuals who need 24/7 professional nursing care to safely manage their medical conditions and care requirements.
As more advanced dementia symptoms can require this high level of specialist support, some residential settings combine both care pathways to offer expert nursing care for dementia
Combined nursing-dementia care homes can be a good option for those concerned that their dementia symptoms may become more advanced over time, as they will not need to move should their dementia or nursing care needs increase.
Choosing a care home which specialises in both care dementia support and nursing care means that the individual will not need to move to an alternative care home should their dementia or nursing care needs increase.
What is the cost of dementia nursing home care?
As with all forms of residential care, dementia nursing home costs will generally be calculated by combining a fixed accommodation fee, with the cost of providing your bespoke nursing care.
The cost of nursing home dementia care will vary according to the level and type of dementia nursing care each individual needs to meet any complex or long-term medical conditions which they live with.
Your individual financial circumstances and nursing care needs will determine who pays for your nursing care. Your Local Authority adult social care team will be able to advise if you are eligible for financial support with the cost of your care.
The perfect care solution
We offer specialist nursing care in your home and in our homes across Somerset, meaning that we have the location, the expertise and the tailored care you need.
