Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on January 6, 2025

• When to consider it
• Signs
• Types of care
• Benefits
• How to decide
• Preparing to move
• Refusal
• Summary

People with Alzheimer’s disease may not need to move to a nursing home if their condition is manageable in their current home. However, moving may be necessary when a person requires additional care.

Various types of care facilities can support people with Alzheimer’s disease. Nursing homes are suitable for people who need specialized, ongoing care from medical professionals. However, a nursing facility may not be the right option for every person or every stage of the disease.

The best living situation for each person will depend on individual needs, available resources, and local options. Some people with Alzheimer’s benefit from memory care or assisted living facilities, while others may stay at home with daily support or live-in care.

Read on to learn more about when a nursing home may be appropriate for a person with Alzheimer’s disease, how to decide which type of care to choose, and tips for making the transition.

When to consider a nursing home

When symptoms of Alzheimer’s become difficult to manage at home and require ongoing, specialized care, it may be best for a person to move into a nursing home, if possible.

Alzheimer’s disease is a life-limiting condition that eventually affects every aspect of a person’s health and functioning.

Alzheimer’s affectsTrusted Source memory and thinking ability and, as a result, can make it unsafe for a person to live independently. For example, they may no longer be able to safely cook food or avoid hazards.

The disease also affects virtually every system of the body. It may:

• affect urination and cause incontinence
• increase the risk of choking
• lead to frequent infections

Alzheimer’s can affect each person differently, and the types of support that people require in the home can also differ. This means that the need to consider a nursing home can come at different times for each person with Alzheimer’s disease.

Signs a person needs to go to a nursing home

No single sign or set of signs always indicates that a person needs to move to a nursing home.

The decision will depend on whether the person has a safe living situation and can receive the care they need in their current home. If not, a nursing home may be an option.

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may need to move to a nursing home if any of the following situations applies:

• Factors such as narrow hallways and stairs make it difficult for the person to safely move around in their home environment.
• The person lives far away from their loved ones and can no longer care for themselves.
• Caregivers or loved ones do not have the time or physical ability to provide the level of support the person needs.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be physically demanding and can affect a caregiver’s mental health. Caregivers can become burned out, overwhelmed, or depressed. When this happens, it may be best to consider a move to a nursing home, if possible.

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Types of care for Alzheimer’s disease

Several types of care may be available for people with Alzheimer’s disease. A nursing home, which offers specialized medical care from trained nursing staff, is best for people with complex medical needs.

Some people use the term “nursing home” interchangeably with terms for other types of facilities, such as memory care facilities.

However, nursing homes are just one of many care options for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Other types include:

• Independent living: This type of living arrangement is for independent adults who do not need daily help. In order to get used to the lifestyle, people in the very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may choose to move into an independent living community that can also offer more advanced care when necessary.
• Assisted living: An assisted living facility has staff who offer help with the activities of daily living. This type of care may suit someone who is in the early to middle stages of dementia, before they need ongoing support.
• Memory care: A memory care facility offers comprehensive 24/7 care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Benefits of a nursing home for people with Alzheimer’s disease

The benefits of transitioning to a nursing home or another form of residential care can include:

• increased safety
• opportunities to socialize
• reduced caregiver stress
• potentially lower expenses, especially if people have been paying for live-in care

However, there can also be some downsides. For example, the move to a nursing home may:

• involve higher costs than other options, such as at-home care from loved ones
• cause distress, which can worsen a person’s symptoms
• cause the person to spend less time with their loved ones, especially if the home is far from where their loved ones live

The potential benefits and downsides will vary depending on each person and their situation.

How to decide on the type of care for Alzheimer’s disease

Some questions people can consider when weighing care options for Alzheimer’s disease include:

• What about the current living arrangement works? What does not?
• What is the available budget?
• Are there quality nursing homes in the local area?
• What in-home care options are available?

Some people may choose to consult a social worker or an aging life specialist for guidance on options and a deeper understanding of how best to manage dementia symptoms as they progress.

Preparing for the transition to a nursing home

Preparing to move into a care facility for Alzheimer’s disease can look different from person to person.

Depending on the stage of Alzheimer’s disease, a person with the disease may have decided on the move themselves. In that case, they may be fully aware of what is happening.

Those in more advanced stages of Alzheimer’s may feel afraid or confused, and these emotions may contribute to behavior such as wandering, resisting care, or acting aggressively toward others.

This happens because Alzheimer’s disease affectsTrusted Source a person’s ability to understand what is happening around them and can make periods of transition more stressful than they would be for people without the disease.

When preparing for the move to a nursing home, caregivers or loved ones may find the following tips helpful:

• Explain what is happening: If necessary, people can tell a person with Alzheimer’s about the move right before it happens and offer lots of reassurance. If possible, it may be helpful to visit the new place ahead of the move so that the person can get familiar with it.
• Consult a doctor: Talk with a doctor or an Alzheimer’s disease specialist about what may help. They may suggest medication to ease the transition.
• Prepare their room: Ensure that the new space is comfortable and accessible, and bring comforting items from home that will help the person adjust.
• Step into their world: People with Alzheimer’s disease may mix people up or have perceptions that do not match reality. It is OK to acknowledge their thoughts and feelings rather than try to correct them. For example, if the person thinks that their child is actually their brother, playing along with that role may help reduce stress.
• Practice self-care: The process of moving a loved one into a nursing home is often hard on caregivers. They may experience major changes in their own lives and routines. People may find it helpful to make time for relaxing or enjoyable activities and to have compassion for themselves.

What if a person refuses to move to a care home?

If a person with Alzheimer’s can still make informed decisions, they have the right to decide whether to move into a nursing home. Others should not try to force them to move.

However, if a person is no longer capable of making informed decisions, a caregiver may need to hire a lawyer to pursue legal options, such as appointing a legal guardian to make the choice on the person’s behalf.

If someone with Alzheimer’s disease is reluctant to move to a nursing home but cannot receive the care they need at home, their loved ones may wish to try:

• listening to the person’s opinion on their long-term care
• looking into the feasibility of alternative options together
• focusing on love and concern for their well-being
• asking a doctor, another trusted authority, or another loved one to talk with them
• visiting a few communities together
• taking a break from the topic if it is causing distress

Learn more about setting up power of attorney for dementia.

Alzheimer’s and dementia resources

To discover more evidence-based information and resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia, visit our dedicated hub.

Summary

Moving to a nursing home can feel overwhelming, but a nursing home may provide a person with Alzheimer’s disease with more support, more socialization, and a safer environment than they have at home.

There is no single sign that always means a person with Alzheimer’s disease needs to move to a nursing home. In some cases, people can receive at-home care for the full duration of the disease. In others, alternative forms of care may be more suitable. And for some, a nursing home may not be an option for financial or other reasons.

Each type of Alzheimer’s disease care has potential benefits and downsides, and each person’s situation will be different. Support organizations and medical and legal professionals can offer advice and guidance.