Dementia And behavioural and psychological


symptoms such as agitation, aggression, apathy, and depression frequently emerge alongside these changes. These symptoms are key factors that make residential care often necessary, and care homes play a central role in providing stability, supervision, and structured support for people with these complex, intensive, and emotionally demanding needs.


Care homes role Care homes already support a significant proportion of people living with dementia. Within residential settings, cognitive impairment is common, and providers are well accustomed to delivering care to individuals whose needs are shaped by a combination of physical frailty, behavioural complexity, and evolving care requirements. Residential care offers elements particularly relevant for those with advanced symptoms, including round-the-clock staffing, structured routines, social engagement opportunities, on-site catering, and environments designed for supervision. Some care home operators have


started investing in dementia training and adapted practices to better support residents’ changing needs. For individuals experiencing more advanced symptoms, especially when accompanied by frailty or complex behaviours, care homes are often the most appropriate setting outside hospital or specialist mental health facilities. They provide stability, continuity, and a level of oversight that is difficult to replicate at home. Yet despite this central role, questions remain about whether the sector can meet rising demand within current capacity and funding models.


Dementia care is already shaping day-to-day operations and design decisions


The hidden shortfall in care home supply On paper, the UK has a substantial number of care home beds. However, in practice, the availability of places that are genuinely suitable for people with dementia is far more limited. Many care homes are old and were not purpose-built, which can make delivering high-quality care for residents with complex needs operationally challenging. Dementia-friendly environments require


thoughtful design, adequate staffing, and structured routines, yet investment in these areas has historically been limited. Public funding for care home places is often insufficient to cover the true costs of care, leaving providers unable to invest in upgrading facilities or creating new capacity. Even when beds exist, a significant


portion may not meet the needs of residents with frailty, cognitive impairments, or behavioural and psychological symptoms. This underinvestment contributes to a mismatch between available care and the rising demand, with some facilities struggling to provide the support required for complex residents. At the same time, demand from residents


who can pay privately creates opportunities for providers to develop more suitable care environments. While some providers are responding by adapting existing homes, repurposing rooms, or investing in new facilities to better support people living with dementia, the majority are not, and


the current funding environment makes it almost impossible. The result is a care home sector that is


central to growing demand for good quality dementia care but constrained by historical underinvestment and limited, insufficient funding. Without coordinated political and financial support, the sector risks being unable to fulfil its critical role and keep pace with the needs of people living with dementia. Opportunities exist for improvement,


particularly where private-pay demand can be met or where funding reforms enable sustainable care for public residents. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure that care homes continue to provide safe, stable, and meaningful environments for residents whose needs are complex, intensive, and emotionally demanding.


The funding gap for dementia care Financial sustainability is one of the main constraints facing providers. Residents with dementia often need more intensive support than those without cognitive impairment. They may require extra time for personal care, closer supervision, and help to de- escalate behavioural symptoms. Staff need training and experience, and there must be enough people on shift to respond safely and compassionately to complex needs. However, the fee structures that underpin


much of the sector rarely reflect these additional demands, especially for residents


April 2026 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 33


New Africa - stock.adobe.com


Robert Kneschke - stock.adobe.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47