Choosing Care with Clarity, Compassion, and Confidence

As dementia progresses, families often face difficult questions about care: When is the right time to move from home support to a care facility? What kind of environment is most appropriate? How do we balance safety, dignity, and connection?

Understanding the different types of care facilities—and when each is appropriate—is essential for informed, values-based decisions. It also supports smoother transitions and stronger emotional outcomes for both the individual and their loved ones.

By using tools like Evaheld, families can plan ahead, record preferences, and securely store important documents and reflections in the Evaheld Legacy Vault, so that the care journey honours both practical needs and personal stories.

Why Planning for Care Facilities Matters

Moving to a new care environment can be emotionally and physically challenging.

According to Advance Care Planning Australia, proactive planning improves continuity of care and preserves autonomy for individuals living with dementia.

Early planning also helps to:

• Avoid emergency transitions
• Reduce stress for carers
• Align services with medical and emotional needs
• Honour cultural and spiritual preferences
• Document and protect legacy wishes

Common Types of Care Facilities in Dementia Care

Each care type offers different levels of support and may be appropriate at different stages of dementia. Here's a breakdown:

In-Home Care (Home and Community Support Services)

When it’s appropriate:

• Early to mid-stage dementia
• The individual wants to remain at home
• Family or hired carers provide daily support
• The environment can be modified for safety

Services may include:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing)
• Medication assistance
• Meals and domestic help
• Allied health services (physio, OT, podiatry)

Family Legacy Series provides templates to document in-home routines and preferences to support in-home carers.

Assisted Living or Supported Living

When it’s appropriate:

• Mid-stage dementia
• The person is mostly independent but needs help with meals, hygiene, or medication
• There’s a need for increased social interaction or supervision

Features include:

• Private or semi-private apartments
• Shared meals and community activities
• 24/7 staff availability
• Health monitoring

This type of facility may not be suitable as dementia advances, so having a care timeline and review process is essential.

Tools like Evaheld help track changes and update care plans securely.

Memory Care Units (Specialist Dementia Units)

When it’s appropriate:

• Mid to late-stage dementia
• The person is prone to wandering, confusion, or distress
• Needs dedicated dementia-trained staff and a secure environment

These facilities provide:

• Structured daily routines
• Memory-stimulating activities
• Sensory and behavioural support
• Controlled access and safety features

Online Will Blog explores how to integrate memory care decisions into broader family and estate plans.

Residential Aged Care (Nursing Homes)

When it’s appropriate:

• Late-stage dementia
• Ongoing medical needs or palliative support
• The individual is no longer able to live safely at home

These centres offer:

• 24/7 nursing care
• Medical and personal assistance
• End-of-life and respite services
• Allied health and mental health support

Nurse Info provides detailed guidance on aged care transitions and preparing emotionally for this stage.

Including Facility Preferences in Advance Care Planning

Use your Advance Health Directive to record:

• Preferred types of care settings
• Cultural or spiritual facility requirements
• Wishes about home care vs residential care
• Carers or family members to consult before transitions

These documents, along with any relevant evaluations or assessments, can be stored in the Evaheld Legacy Vault for secure access by trusted decision-makers.

Advance Care Planning Australia encourages making these choices while the person still has capacity and agency.

Supporting Carers and Family Members

For the sandwich generation—adults supporting both elderly parents and young children—knowing the different care options:

• Reduces last-minute decision stress
• Prevents avoidable hospitalisation
• Allows coordinated care planning with siblings
• Ensures the person's wishes remain central

The Evaheld blog shares real-world strategies for navigating care options while preserving family connection and legacy.

Emotional and Cultural Considerations

Care isn’t just about medical needs—it’s about emotional and spiritual safety.

As you consider facility types:

• Visit in person to assess environment and staff
• Ask about dementia training and cultural inclusion
• Consider proximity to family and community
• Look for spaces that feel calming, familiar, and homely

Dementia Support Australia offers checklists and family guides to help navigate this process thoughtfully.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right care setting is more than a clinical decision—it’s a legacy decision.

It reflects how we honour autonomy, connection, and meaning throughout the dementia journey.

With advance planning, secure documentation through Evaheld, and a supportive team, every care choice can reflect the values that matter most.