Caregivers of people with dementia generally identify three transition moments in the trajectory of the disease: the time of diagnosis, when they realize a need for formal care, and when the person cannot live in their home anymore. It can be difficult to know when the time is right to move into a nursing home. In addition, it can be difficult if the person does not want to move, and does not understand or remember the difficulties of remaining at home.
When facing this decision, it can be helpful to ask yourself or talk to others about certain aspects:
- Is it safe for the person to keep living at home?
- Is there a risk to my own health as a caregiver, or the health of the person with dementia?
- Are the person’s care needs beyond my physical abilities?
You should consider all aspects, if making the choice for the person: both the negative aspect of opposing the person's wish, and the possible positive aspects for the person with dementia. Aspects that can be thought about, depending on the national context:
- Legal aspects – Who decides when the person should go to a nursing home? How is the process?
- Financial planning/financial aid - Does it cost money? How do people pay for it? Are there programs to support those with less money?
- Is it possible to choose nursing home/care facility?
- Here is a good booklet on that (in case you actually can choose the facility): https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-12/Alzheimers-Society_Selecting-and-Moving-in-to-a-New-Care-Home_181207.pdf
- What kinds of nursing homes exist? (dementia specific care homes for instance)
- Where to find information for the caregiver about the process?
