Caring for a loved one with dementia is emotionally demanding and requires constant attention, especially as the condition progresses. Families often face a difficult decision when determining the best care setting. While a dementia nursing home in Singapore offers structured, residential support, many consider private care for dementia patients a more personalised alternative. Choosing between the two depends on care needs, safety, budget, and the availability of support. This guide explores the advantages of private dementia care and helps you assess whether it suits your loved one’s needs.
Personalised Attention and One-on-One Support
One of the main benefits of private care is the level of individual attention patients receive. A dedicated caregiver can monitor changes in behaviour, eating habits, and physical health more closely than staff in a group setting. This kind of attention ensures early intervention when symptoms fluctuate or health declines. Private care offers a practical solution for families seeking customised routines and hands-on supervision.
Unlike standard care at a dementia nursing home in Singapore, where staff must attend to multiple residents, private carers focus solely on one individual. This allows them to build trust and communicate more effectively, which is particularly important for patients with dementia who may struggle with confusion or agitation. Familiarity and consistency in care can greatly reduce anxiety and behavioural issues over time.
Comfort of Remaining in a Familiar Environment
Many dementia patients feel more secure at home, surrounded by familiar objects, routines, and faces. Private care supports this by allowing individuals to age in place, reducing the stress that often comes with transitioning into a new environment. For early to mid-stage dementia patients, staying at home may help preserve cognitive function for longer, as the brain benefits from recognisable surroundings.
In-home care also gives families greater flexibility. They can be actively involved in daily care decisions and continue spending quality time with their loved ones. Compared to relocating to a dementia nursing home in Singapore, private care often feels less disruptive, particularly for those with a strong attachment to their home setting.
Evaluating Costs and Limitations of Private Care
While private care offers many benefits, it can be costly, especially if 24-hour supervision is required. Hiring qualified caregivers or nurses for long-term, one-on-one support is more expensive than enrolling a loved one in a nursing home, which often provides all-inclusive packages.
It’s also essential to consider the progressive nature of dementia. As the condition advances, patients may require specialised equipment, physiotherapy, or medical interventions that are more readily available in a nursing home setting. Private care may eventually need to be supplemented with clinical support or transitioned into full-time residential care.
Customised Activities and Lifestyle Adjustments
A reliable dementia care provider can tailor activities to match the cognitive and physical abilities of the person under care. Whether it’s guided walks, memory games, or music therapy, customised engagement improves mental stimulation and quality of life. These daily routines are easier to maintain in a private setting, where the caregiver’s schedule revolves solely around the patient.
Moreover, dietary needs, medication management, and personal care routines are adapted without compromise. This level of flexibility is difficult to achieve in institutional settings, where standardised procedures are necessary for operational efficiency. Private care provides a clear advantage for families seeking a more personalised and adaptive care model.
Knowing When Private Care Is the Right Fit
Private care is well-suited for patients in the early to moderate stages of dementia who are still relatively mobile and do not require intensive medical supervision. It works best when the home environment is safe, and the family can oversee or supplement the care arrangement as needed. Private care is ideal if you prioritise emotional connection, comfort, and one-on-one attention.
However, families must regularly reassess the arrangement. When safety concerns or complex health issues arise, moving to a professional dementia care provider with full-service facilities may become necessary. A flexible care plan that evolves with the patient’s needs ensures the best outcome.
Conclusion
Choosing between private care and a dementia nursing home in Singapore requires a clear understanding of your loved one’s current and future needs. While private care for dementia patients offers personalised attention and comfort at home, it may not be suitable in the later stages of the disease. Engaging a trustworthy dementia care provider ensures your loved one receives the right level of support in a safe and compassionate environment.
Contact Orange Valley today to explore professional dementia care solutions tailored to your loved one’s evolving needs.
