Deciding to move a loved one into a dementia care facility is one of the most emotional and complex choices a family can face. It often comes with feelings of guilt, uncertainty, and heartbreak. But it can also be an act of deep love, ensuring your loved one receives the specialised care they need to live with dignity and safety.
So, how do you know when the right time has come?
There’s no perfect formula, but there are clear signs and situations that indicate it may be time to consider professional dementia care.
1. Increased Safety Risks at Home
One of the clearest signs is when your loved one is no longer safe at home:
- Frequent wandering or getting lost
- Leaving stoves or taps on
- Falling regularly or having difficulty navigating the home
- Forgetting to lock doors or allowing strangers in
- Inability to manage medications properly
If the home environment becomes hazardous, moving to a dementia care facility where there’s 24/7 supervision can prevent accidents and offer peace of mind.
2. Caregiver Burnout
Caring for someone with dementia is physically and emotionally exhausting. Common signs of burnout include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Feelings of helplessness or depression
- Resentment or anger
- Physical health issues
When the caregiver’s well-being begins to suffer, it’s time to ask: Can I continue providing this level of care safely and sustainably?
A dementia facility can offer professional, round-the-clock support—freeing you to focus on being a loving presence, not a constant caregiver.
3. Rapid Cognitive Decline or Unmanageable Behaviours
If your loved one:
- Becomes increasingly confused, disoriented, or agitated
- Displays aggressive or unpredictable behaviour
- Suffers from hallucinations or paranoia
- Has difficulty recognising familiar people or places
… it may be time for specialised care. Dementia care facilities are equipped to manage these symptoms with structure, routine, and skilled support—something not always possible at home.
4. Neglecting Personal Hygiene and Nutrition
As dementia progresses, individuals often forget or resist:
- Bathing
- Changing clothes
- Eating balanced meals
- Drinking enough fluids
If reminders and assistance no longer help, or if malnutrition and dehydration become concerns, a care facility with trained staff can step in to provide essential personal care and nutrition management.
5. Social Isolation and Withdrawal
Isolation can worsen dementia symptoms. If your loved one:
- Rarely interacts with others
- No longer enjoys activities
- Seems withdrawn or depressed
… they may benefit from a facility that offers social activities, structured days, and regular interaction with peers and caregivers.
6. Medical Needs Are Increasing
Does your loved one require:
- Constant supervision?
- Regular monitoring of chronic conditions?
- Help managing multiple medications?
A dementia care facility typically has nurses and allied health professionals on hand to address these evolving medical needs, reducing the risk of complications and hospitalisations.
7. Family Conflicts Over Care Decisions
When families disagree on how to manage care or when siblings argue over who should be responsible, it often signals that home-based care is no longer sustainable.
Choosing a neutral, professional setting can ease tensions and refocus everyone’s energy on the best interest of the person living with dementia.
What to Remember
Transitioning your loved one into dementia care is not giving up on them—it’s giving them access to the round-the-clock, specialised care they need to live with dignity and comfort.
Signs that it may be time:
- Safety is compromised at home
- You are physically and emotionally exhausted
- Behavioural changes are becoming harder to manage
- Your loved one is missing meals or skipping personal hygiene
- They are socially isolated or depressed
- Their medical care is too complex for home
- Family tension is escalating over care responsibilities
A Final Word of Encouragement
No one can tell you the “perfect” time to make the move—but if you’re asking the question, it’s often because you’re already seeing the signs.
At La Vie, we specialise in compassionate, secure dementia care tailored to each individual’s needs. Our goal is not only to support your loved one, but also to support you. You don’t have to walk this journey alone.
If you’d like to visit one of our dementia care homes or speak with a professional, we’re here to help.
