As owners and operators of a group of boutique memory care homes that specialize in dementia care, we’ve seen firsthand the challenges families face when they decide to care for a loved one with dementia at home. While the instinct to keep your loved one in the comfort of their own home is understandable, the truth is, home care often presents a series of issues that can compromise their well-being and safety in ways you may not expect.
Staffing Problems and Caregiver Inconsistency
One of the biggest misconceptions about at-home care is that it’s easier and more comforting for individuals with dementia. The reality, though, is that when you hire a caregiver through an agency, you’re essentially running your own “facility.” Caregivers can call in sick, and suddenly you’re left scrambling to find someone to fill in. Worse yet, agencies often send new caregivers who have never met your loved one before. For someone with dementia, this can be a terrifying experience. People with dementia thrive on routine and familiarity—sudden changes in caregivers or having strangers in the home can create anxiety, resistance to care, or even behavioral outbursts. In some cases, this can lead to aggressive behavior when the person feels disoriented or unsafe.
At our boutique memory care homes, we have a high caregiver-to-resident ratio (2 caregivers for every 6 residents) and full-time, trained staff who understand the importance of continuity in care. They get to know each resident deeply, learning their preferences, how they like to be touched, how they communicate, and what makes them feel secure. This consistency is key to reducing anxiety and providing a calm, familiar environment for your loved one.
The High Cost of Home Care
Another often-overlooked issue with at-home care is the financial burden. Caregiver rates for in-home services can range anywhere from $35 to $40 per hour. For someone who needs approximately 12 hours of care per day, that can add up quickly—$12,600 to $15,000 per month. Over time, this cost only increases, especially if your loved one’s condition worsens and requires 24/7 care, which could exceed $25,000 per month.
What many people don’t realize is that at-home care can become a long-term financial strain. Eventually, most individuals with dementia will need 24/7 care to remain safe. In addition to the high cost of care, there are physical changes that come with dementia—such as bowel incontinence and immobility—that may require specialized equipment like commodes, hospital beds, and Hoyer lifts, which further adds to the overall expense.
The Lack of Meaningful Engagement
Another critical aspect of dementia care is the enrichment of the individual’s day. Without proper activity programming, individuals with dementia often spend their days staring at a TV, left to passively exist. This is where at-home care often falls short. Caregivers may be well-meaning but lack the experience or resources to provide the kind of engagement that people with dementia need to maintain their cognitive abilities and sense of purpose.
At The Sanctuary, we have an Activity Director who creates personalized activities designed specifically for each resident. From memory-stimulating games, exercise, and tailored art projects to pet and music therapy, our programming fosters engagement, helps preserve cognitive function, and gives each resident something meaningful to look forward to every day. We understand the unique challenges of dementia, and we work with each resident to create an enriching environment that helps them feel purposeful and connected.
Safety Concerns and Home Modifications
Dementia is a progressive disease, and safety becomes a growing concern as cognitive decline sets in. Many homes simply aren’t designed with dementia patients in mind. Things like slippery floors, stairs, or sharp corners become serious hazards. Even basic activities like getting in and out of a bed or chair can become difficult or unsafe without the right equipment. This can be especially true for individuals who need help with mobility or lifting.
In a boutique memory care setting like ours, safety is prioritized in every aspect of the home’s design. We have secure environments with specialized equipment like Hoyer lifts and other mobility aids to ensure that our residents are always safe, even when they are at their most vulnerable.
Moreover, according to a study from the Alzheimer’s Association, falls are the leading cause of death in people with dementia, which underscores the importance of creating a safe, well-equipped environment.
The Bottom Line: Professional Care is Vital for Dementia Patients
While it’s completely natural to want your loved one to stay at home as long as possible, dementia is a complex and unpredictable disease that requires specialized care. It’s important to recognize that caregiving isn’t just about physical assistance—it’s about providing emotional support, reducing anxiety, meaningful engagement, and ensuring a safe, enriching environment.
In our boutique memory care homes, we provide all of this and more. Our high caregiver-to-resident ratio, consistent staff, personalized activity programs, and safe, dementia-friendly environment set us apart from traditional home care options. Ultimately, professional, experienced care in a setting designed specifically for people with dementia leads to better outcomes for both the resident and peace of mind for their family.