Moving Your Loved One With Early Onset Dementia into a Care Home

Detecting early signs of dementia in your loved ones can be daunting at any age, but even more so if they are younger than 65. Finding the right residential care home is important if your loved one is living with any type of dementia, especially if they have been diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Specialist dementia care can support your loved one no matter their age. Moving into a residential care home means your loved ones’ care needs can be met by our trained staff.

At The Bill House, we understand the importance of navigating care with confidence, especially if your loved one has dependents or is still independent. Making the transition to a dementia care home is life changing, but we are here to support you and your loved one every step of the way.

What is early onset dementia?

Sometimes known as young onset dementia, early onset dementia is any form of dementia that develops before the age of 65. It most commonly affects people in their 40s and 50s.

According to Alzheimer’s Society, over 70,800 people in the UK are living with early onset dementia. People under 65 are more likely to be diagnosed with a genetically inherited form of dementia, or a rarer dementia that can be difficult to recognise.

The causes of early onset dementia are often like late onset but have a higher likelihood of being linked to genetics, brain injury or rare causes. The most common causes of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies, which mirror those found in older residents but appear earlier in life.

What are the symptoms of early onset dementia?

Like all people living with dementia, young people may experience a wide range of symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, they typically require different support to older people.

The benefits of a dementia diagnosis can also apply to someone living with early onset dementia, so it’s important to speak to a GP if you begin to spot symptoms in your loved one.

Memory loss

Memory loss is a common symptom of early Alzheimer’s, it is frequently less prominent in other types of early onset dementia. However, persistent memory difficulties that interfere with daily life may be an early warning sign to monitor.

Behavioural changes and personality shifts

Subtle shifts in behaviour and personality are some of the early indicators of early onset dementia, but they are often mistaken for stress or other mental health issues. Key behavioural changes in early onset dementia include loss of inhibitions and interest, impulsivity, irritability and social withdrawal.

These changes often appear before memory loss in individuals with early onset dementia and can be the first noticeable signs of the disease.

Language difficulties

Language difficulties may present as your loved one struggling to find the right word, frequently losing their train of thought, using vague descriptions or experiencing a general reduction in conversational fluency.

Moving your loved one with early onset dementia into a residential care home

Making the decision to move your loved one with early onset dementia into a residential care home is emotionally challenging, especially if young children or other dependents are involved. However, increasing quality of life with specialist dementia care can support both your loved one living with dementia and your family.

This care can include:

• Peer socialisation: by directly combatting the intense isolation common in residential care through fostering friendships and social connections, individuals with early onset dementia experience better wellbeing and a strong sense of personal identity.
• Age-appropriate activities: the importance of hobbies and activities in dementia care planning is crucial to ensure brain stimulation, for example through the role of pets and animal-assisted therapy or nature-based therapy in dementia care.
• Specialist support: understanding the importance of person-centred care allows your loved one to receive the best support for their early onset dementia, which focused on maintaining independence, cognitive rehabilitation and peer support.

The Bill House provides specialist dementia care

Knowing how care homes can support independence for residents is crucial when finding the right care home for your loved one with early onset dementia. Maintaining independence is important because it preserves your loved one’s dignity, identity and mental wellbeing.

At The Bill House, we provide specialist dementia care that is personalised to meet care needs during the different stages of dementia, including ones faced by those living with early onset dementia.

Contact us to learn more about how carers can support people living with dementia, including early onset, to enhance their mental wellbeing.