What’s the Difference Between In-Home Dementia Care and 24/7 Facility Care?
- Nestcare Home Care and Private Duty Nursing
- May 11
- 4 min read
Why “Round-the-Clock” Support Isn’t Always What You Think It Is
In this post we will discuss, in-home dementia care vs facility, 24/7 dementia care, assisted living vs skilled nursing, private care for dementia, memory care Sarasota
“They said she’d get 24/7 care… but I had to ask staff three times just to help her to the bathroom.”
It’s a common story—and an emotional one.
When your loved one’s dementia progresses, someone may suggest it’s time for “24/7 care” in a memory care facility or nursing home.
On paper, it sounds ideal.Constant supervision. A team of caregivers. Medical staff nearby.
But here’s what families often discover after moving a loved one into a facility:
Long wait times for basic help
High staff-to-resident ratios
Lack of one-on-one interaction
More care “tasks”—not necessarily more attention
The truth is, 24/7 facility care isn’t the same as 1:1 care.And depending on your loved one’s needs, the type of care you choose can impact safety, dignity, and quality of life in very different ways.
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
The real difference between in-home and facility-based dementia care
What “24/7 care” actually means in practice
What to ask before paying for increased care levels
When to consider assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing
And how Nestcare supports families who want high-touch care at home
What Does “24/7 Care” in a Facility Really Mean?
When facilities advertise “24/7 care,” they mean someone is always on the premises—not that someone is always with your loved one.
The Reality:
Staff are spread thin—ratios can range from 1 caregiver to 10–20 residents at a time.
Help is task-based—things like toileting, meals, and medication are often scheduled, not responsive.
Staff may rotate daily—which means little consistency or familiarity.
Nighttime care is limited—often one or two staff members for an entire floor.
You may pay thousands per month thinking your loved one is constantly supported—but in reality, they’re getting scheduled assistance, not true attentive supervision.
In-Home Dementia Care: Personalized Support on Your Schedule
In contrast, in-home care means:
One-on-one attention for your loved one
Familiar surroundings that reduce agitation and confusion
Flexible routines based on their habits—not facility timing
Family involvement in decision-making and oversight
The ability to blend personal care with emotional connection
You’re not just hiring someone to help.You’re creating a continuity of care that many facilities simply can’t match.
The Staffing Illusion: What “Increased Care” Really Means
Many families are surprised to find that when a facility recommends a “higher level of care,” what they’re getting isn’t more staff, but more tasks.
What it might include:
More frequent checks
Scheduled bathing assistance
Medication reminders
Extra meal prep or supervision
What it doesn’t always include:
Additional staff on shift
Extended time spent with your loved one
Personal engagement or companionship
Support in the moment behaviors arise
Always ask: “Will this increase give my loved one more one-on-one time—or just more checkboxes?”
Breaking It Down: In-Home Care and Facility Care
Feature | In-Home Dementia Care | Facility-Based 24/7 Care |
One-on-one attention | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rare (shared caregivers) |
Consistent caregivers | ✅ Often same person(s) daily | ❌ Frequent rotation of staff |
Personalized schedule | ✅ Built around individual needs | ❌ Follows institutional routine |
Environment | ✅ Familiar, calming home environment | ❌ Can feel disorienting or clinical |
Staff-to-patient ratio | ✅ 1:1 (or close) | ❌ Often 1:10 or higher |
Cost (varies by hours/location) | 💰 Flexible—pay for what you need | 💰 Flat fee with tiered add-ons |
Best for | Mild–moderate dementia, strong home setup | Advanced dementia, complex medical needs |
What About Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing?
Each of these facility types serves different needs—but they’re not interchangeable.
🏠 Assisted Living
Best for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (bathing, meals)
NOT designed for dementia-specific care
Often requires private caregiver add-ons if dementia behaviors worsen
🧠 Memory Care Units
Secure environments with staff trained in dementia care
Structured routines and group activities
Still high staff ratios and limited one-on-one time
Ideal for moderate dementia and families needing overnight supervision
🏥 Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)
24/7 medical oversight (nurses, CNAs)
Best for individuals with complex health conditions, late-stage dementia, or palliative needs
Typically more clinical and institutional
When In-Home Care Makes More Sense
If your loved one:
Is still connected to their surroundings
Becomes anxious or agitated in new places
Has frequent emotional or behavioral needs
Craves routine and familiarity
Is physically stable but cognitively declining
…then in-home dementia care may be not only more comfortable—but actually more effective. A facility can be the right decision for your family as well, and we can help walk you through it.
How Nestcare Offers Real 1:1 Dementia Care at Home
At Nestcare, we believe home is still possible—even when dementia progresses.
That’s why we provide:
Regular flat-rate visits (1–3x per week)
Symptom and medication tracking
Care coordination and physician advocacy
Family updates and behavior logs
✅ Personalized care without the cost or complexity of full-time staffing.
Over 100 dementia-friendly activity cards
Designed for real homes, real caregivers, and real behaviors
Reduce boredom, redirect behaviors, and add calming routines to daily life
✅ Used by families and paid caregivers to improve quality of engagement—even in short visits.
💬 Home Safety & Care Planning
We help you assess if your loved one’s needs can be met at home
Support with transitions, medication schedules, and routines
Advocacy and education for families weighing facility decisions
24/7 care sounds comforting on paper. But what your loved one likely needs isn’t just a building with staff—it’s a person who sees them, knows them, and is truly present.
Don’t confuse access with attention.What matters most isn’t just who’s on duty—but who’s actually with them.
With the right tools, planning, and support, real 1:1 dementia care can happen right at home—and Nestcare is here to help you make that happen.
Comentários