Dementia Home Care vs. Assisted Living – Which Is Right for Your Loved One?

Choosing the Best Care for a Loved One with Dementia

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, families face difficult decisions about care. One of the most common questions we hear at Bridge Senior Care is:

“Should we choose in-home dementia care or move them into assisted living?”

The answer depends on your loved one’s condition, preferences, and the support your family can offer. This guide will walk you through the key differences between dementia home care and assisted living—so you can make a confident, informed decision.

What Is Dementia Home Care?

Dementia home care is personalized, one-on-one support provided in the senior’s own home. Caregivers are trained to handle the unique challenges of memory loss and cognitive decline, while also helping with activities of daily living.

Services typically include:

• Redirection and behavior management
  
  
• Medication reminders
  
  
• Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
  
  
• Fall prevention and supervision
  
  
• Meal preparation
  
  
• Companionship and routine support
  
  
• Memory-friendly activities
  
  
• Wandering prevention and safety checks
  
  

Bridge Senior Care provides in-home dementia care in Marysville, Port Huron, and across St. Clair County, allowing families to keep loved ones in familiar, comforting surroundings.

What Is Assisted Living for Dementia?

Assisted living communities offer residential housing combined with group support for seniors who need daily help. Some facilities have “memory care units” designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

These environments provide:

• 24/7 staff supervision
  
  
• Structured daily routines
  
  
• Group meals and social events
  
  
• Medication management
  
  
• On-site nursing (in some cases)
  
  
• Secured areas to prevent wandering
  
  

While they offer a community atmosphere, care is shared, and residents often rotate caregivers or receive support on a schedule, not one-on-one.

Comparing Dementia Home Care vs. Assisted Living

Home care is often more flexible and less disruptive, especially in the early to mid-stages of dementia. For families with strong involvement or preference for aging in place, home care is the preferred choice.

When to Consider Dementia Home Care

Home care may be the better option if your loved one:

• Becomes anxious in unfamiliar settings
  
  
• Is still mobile and prefers routine
  
  
• Lives with a spouse or nearby family
  
  
• Needs one-on-one attention
  
  
• Becomes agitated by loud, group environments
  
  
• Is in early to mid-stage dementia
  
  

In-home care can delay or prevent the need for a facility, offering a smoother, less stressful experience for the entire family.

When Assisted Living May Be Appropriate

Assisted living may be appropriate if:

• Your loved one requires medical oversight not available at home
  
  
• There’s no local family support
  
  
• You’ve tried home care but needs have escalated
  
  
• They’re in late-stage dementia with safety concerns
  
  
• You need respite from full-time caregiving
  
  

Bridge Senior Care offers respite care and care transitions as needed, and we can help families evaluate both short- and long-term options.

Real-Life Scenario from St. Clair County

In early 2025, a family in Fort Gratiot, MI reached out to Bridge Senior Care after their mother—recently diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer’s—was struggling in a memory care unit. She was disoriented, isolated, and had started refusing meals.

We created a custom home care plan that included:

• Daily dementia-focused visits
  
  
• Personalized meal preparation
  
  
• Gentle redirection and conversation
  
  
• Familiar music therapy and memory games
  
  

Within a few weeks, her mood improved and her appetite returned. Her family shared that the transition back home “gave her joy and dignity again.”

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Dementia Care

To help guide your decision, ask:

• Can my loved one safely remain at home with support?
  
  
• Are they more comfortable in familiar environments?
  
  
• Do they need one-on-one interaction or are group settings okay?
  
  
• How involved can family be in care planning and supervision?
  
  
• What can we realistically afford over the next 12–24 months?
  
  

Bridge Senior Care offers free consultations to walk through these questions and help your family choose the best care plan.

[Request a dementia care consultation – https://www.bridgeseniorcare.com/contact]

Why Families in Marysville Choose Bridge Senior Care for Dementia Support

• Locally owned and operated
  
  
• Specialized dementia care training for all caregivers
  
  
• Flexible hourly or 24/7 care options
  
  
• Personalized routines that reduce stress and agitation
  
  
• Familiar surroundings for memory support
  
  
• Services covered by long-term care insurance (no Medicare)
  
  

[Learn about our Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Services - https://www.bridgeseniorcare.com/memory-care]

FAQs: Dementia Home Care vs. Assisted Living

Is dementia care available 24/7 at home?

Yes. Bridge Senior Care provides around-the-clock dementia support if needed, including overnight safety supervision.

What’s the cost difference between home care and assisted living?

Home care is charged hourly, which offers more cost flexibility. Assisted living typically has flat monthly rates that may include services your loved one doesn’t need.

Can we try home care before committing long-term?

Absolutely. Many families start with part-time care to see how their loved one adjusts.

How do I know when home care is no longer enough?

Our care team monitors changes in condition and will work with you to assess when additional medical or residential care may be needed.

Talk to a Local Dementia Care Expert

Choosing the right home care provider doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Bridge Senior Care, we’re here to help every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or need immediate care for a loved one, we’ll provide guidance and support with compassion and clarity.

Call Bridge Senior Care at (810) 364-3200
Located in Marysville, MI – Serving all of St. Clair County
Available 24/7 | Preferred call hours: 8 AM – 5 PM

[Request a Free Home Care Consultation – https://www.bridgeseniorcare.com/contact]