The festive season can be one of the most testing times of the year for families living with dementia, with disrupted routines, busy households and emotional pressure.
Now an NHS GP has urged families to take an honest look at whether caring for a loved one at home remains the safest option – or whether specialist care may be needed as the condition progresses.
Dr Tim Mercer, an NHS GP partner and GP trainer, says the festive period often exposes pressures that families have been coping with quietly for months.
He said: “Every family’s situation is unique, but planning early makes all the difference. Begin by considering your loved one’s current needs and how they may evolve over time. Dementia is progressive, so it’s important to balance safety, comfort, and emotional well-being.”
For many families, staying at home remains the preferred option, particularly in the early and middle stages of dementia, where familiarity can reduce anxiety and confusion.
Dr Mercer, who works with care bed manufacturer Opera Beds, said: “For many, home care offers familiarity and independence, especially when the environment is adapted for safety. Profiling care beds help prevent falls and make everyday care easier for both the person living with dementia and their carers.”
However, he warned that there are clear warning signs that home care may no longer be manageable or safe, and families should not ignore them.
“It’s also helpful to watch for practical signs that it might be time to consider a care home.”
These can include:
- Difficulty managing personal hygiene
- Frequent falls or safety incidents
- Significant weight loss
- Poor nutrition
- Increasing agitation or confusion
- Caregivers feeling overwhelmed or unable to provide adequate support”
According to Dr Mercer, reaching this point does not mean families have failed – but that care needs have changed.
“When home becomes difficult to manage safely, it may be time to explore specialist settings. The goal isn’t to give up home living, but to ensure the right support and dignity at every stage of life,” he said.
He also urged families to use the festive period as a moment to reassess care arrangements, particularly if relatives are visiting and noticing changes for the first time.
“Other steps include creating a clear care plan, seeking advice from your GP or a dementia care specialist, exploring respite care options to give family carers breaks, and reviewing home modifications regularly to maintain safety as needs change,” he said.
Dr Mercer stressed that wherever care is delivered, the focus should remain firmly on quality of life. “Whether at home or in a care facility, the main priorities are comfort, safety, and quality of life, supported by the right environment and equipment,” he said.
Further research and statistics on dementia rates in the UK can be found here.
