Is it time?

8 signs someone with dementia might be ready for another level of care

Every caregiving journey is unique, and caring for someone with dementia is never easy. What works

for one family may look very different for another. One of the hardest questions caregivers face is:

When is it time to consider another level of care?

Here are 8 signs that it may be time to seek additional support or a care facility:

Safety Concerns

• Frequent wandering, leaving doors unlocked, letting strangers in, forgetting to turn off

appliances, or difficulty responding in emergencies can create serious risks. Round-the-clock

supervision is often hard to maintain at home.

Incontinence Issues

• If your loved one is no longer able to recognize or respond to the need to use the restroom, or

if frequent accidents require extensive cleanup, additional support may be necessary.

Aggressive Behavior

• Aggression, paranoia, or confrontation directed at family members can be stressful and unsafe

for both the caregiver and the individual with dementia.

Declining Physical Health

• Increased falls, mobility problems, or the need for a wheelchair may require more hands-on

care than a caregiver can provide alone.

Difficulty with Daily Tasks

• Dressing, bathing, grooming, or toileting may become too challenging for one person to

manage without consistent professional help.

Caregiver Burnout

• Deciding when it’s time is completely up to the caregiver. The decision does not have to come

from a place of “I can’t do it anymore.” Instead, it can be an acknowledgment that, “This is no

longer in my best interest—or my loved one’s best interest.”

Social Isolation

• Structured activities and social interaction in a care setting can benefit your loved one’s quality

of life while easing the caregiver’s responsibilities.

Specialized Care Needs

• Complicated medication regimens, the need for medical equipment, or other specialized care

may exceed what can be managed safely at home.

Remember: Each care facility has its own criteria, and every family’s decision will look different.

Seeking another level of care is not a failure—it’s a step toward ensuring both you and your loved

one receive the support you need.