Dementia patient refusing to go into care home

Caring for an elderly parent with dementia can be physically and emotionally overwhelming at times. As dementia progresses and the patient’s needs increase, families are prompted to consider moving them into a residential care home. It is very common for patients with dementia to resist this option, prefering to stay where they feel most comfortable. This can create a seemingly impossible situation for family members who are concerned about their parent’s well-being, but also want to avoid conflict. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why dementia patients might refuse to move into a care home and how companion care services can help elderly people with dementia.

Why is a dementia patient refusing to go into care home?

The idea of moving a parent with dementia into a care facility can be overwhelming for anyone, but it is especially difficult for the person with dementia. Below are some common reasons why they might not want to go:

Loss of independence
Dementia patients often experience a loss of independence as their condition worsens. They may feel they are losing control over their lives, and this fear can make them resistant to the idea of home care or a care facility.
Anxiety and fear
The unfamiliarity of caregiving and the prospect of moving to a care home can trigger anxiety, fear, and even aggression in dementia patients. They may view these interventions as threats to their safety or autonomy.
Emotional attachment
Many people with dementia have lived in their homes for years and feel a strong attachment to their surroundings. The thought of leaving their home and moving to a nursing home can cause significant emotional distress.
Fear of isolation
The idea of going into a care home can make dementia patients fear losing contact with their family. This fear of isolation can seem very real, even if it is not.

What to do when a dementia patient refuses to go into a care home?

Dealing with a dementia patient who refuses to move into a care home can be challenging, but it’s crucial to approach the situation with empathy and sensitivity. Here are some steps you can take:

Listen to their concerns	Dementia patients want to feel heard. Understand why they are refusing care—fear, confusion, or a desire to stay in familiar surroundings. Validate their emotions and ask open-ended questions like, “What worries you most about moving to an aged care facility?”
Involve them in decision-making	Give choices, within limits. For example, offer options for different care facilities and ask, “Which one do you think suits you best: a virtual companion or nursing home?” This helps maintain a sense of control.
Use positive reinforcement	Praise small steps toward accepting care, like discussing options. Offer rewards that align with their interests to reinforce positive behavior.
Consider in-home companion care services	If relocation is a concern, consider in-home companion care to provide companionship in a familiar setting, preserving their sense of independence.
Address underlying issues	Refusal may stem from unmet needs like loneliness. Address these first to improve comfort and increase receptivity to care.
Respect their independence	Respect their choices wherever possible. Involve them in their care plan to help maintain dignity and reduce resistance.

How is a virtual companion beneficial for dementia patients?

Virtual companion care services, like Eve, are increasingly being recognized as a valuable resource for dementia patients. AI-powered companion care services make a significant difference in dementia care by acting as a familiar voice each day, and helping to reinforce routines.

If your parent with dementia refuses to go to a nursing home, you might consider a virtual caregiving service like Eve, a new AI-powered virtual companion, who provides a number of benefits:

Eve is a virtual caregiver designed to help you look after your parent when you’re not there. With Eve, you’ll receive real-time updates on their health and well-being, even when you’re away. Eve is always available, never sleeps, and is able to keep the dementia patient engaged both mentally and emotionally.
Eve helps dementia patients with daily routines, which helps to improve mood, reduces loneliness and helps with a general sense of confusion. She offers personalized conversations with your parent and can discuss a variety of topics at regular times during the day.
Family members receive daily reports on the progress of their parent with dementia. These daily reports allow families to keep track of their parent’s current mental state.
Eve is an affordable option for families seeking in-home care for dementia patients. Eve’s in-home dementia care costs only $1 per day, compared to hiring a human caregiver, which can cost, on average, $30 per hour.

Conclusion If you are looking at residential dementia care services, you should first consider virtual companion care services like Eve. Eve is designed to provide mental and emotional support to dementia patients, helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness. In doing so, she is able to preserve their independence for longer, by allowing them to stay in their own home. For more information about Eve and her benefits, visit https://iameve.ai/.