Finding out that someone you love has dementia is gut-wrenching, and making the decision to place them into a care home can be even more heartbreaking.

That being said, if you can no longer provide them with the care they need, then it is better for everyone involved to seek external support.

There are many dementia care homes in the UK, some of which are outstanding and others that require improvement.

If you are currently looking for a dementia care home, then there are several factors that you need to consider.

Convenient location

One of the most important factors that you need to consider when choosing a dementia care home is its location.

Firstly, you should select a care home that is close to where you live so that you can regularly visit your loved one without having to travel too far.

Secondly, you want a care home that is located in a peaceful and calming area. For example, one that is away from any busy roads and is surrounded by countryside.

Luxury facilities

When it comes to dementia care, you need to choose a care home that provides the utmost comfort for your loved one.

At the very least, you want to find a care home with comfortable rooms and ensuite bathrooms, communal areas, outdoor spaces, and gardens.

Some care homes, such as Signature Care Homes, offer bespoke dementia care units which are specially designed to soothe people living with dementia.

Professional staff

If you are going to entrust a care home to look after your loved one, then, of course, you will want to make sure that the staff are fully trained and professional.

In a dementia care home, the care staff should specialise in dementia care so that you can enjoy peace of mind that your relative is receiving the best possible care.

It can be a good idea to drop into your shortlisted care homes to see how the staff interacts with the residents on a daily basis.

Happy residents

One of your primary concerns when placing your loved one in a care home is likely to be their happiness. Therefore, you should look for a dementia care home that actively addresses the needs of people with dementia.

For example, talking to dementia patients about their past has been shown to help relieve anxiety and depression and improve their overall happiness levels. Communal areas and group activities are also important, helping to prevent isolation and encouraging communication.

A good CQC rating

The CQC rating is a rating given by the Care Quality Commission, the regulator for all English care homes. This organisation is responsible for ensuring that each care home provides safe and high-quality care to its residents.

There are four ratings available: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, and Inadequate. Ideally, you want to choose a dementia care home that has an Outstanding CQC rating. You should be able to find each care home’s rating on their website or by asking them directly.