Residential vs Nursing Homes
The key differences between residential and nursing care, and how to decide which is right.
Read guideDementia care
Dementia Care Homes in Wales
Compare dementia care homes across Wales offering specialist environments, memory care, trained staff and reassuring guidance for families supporting a loved one living with dementia.
At a glance
What this type of care is
Dementia care provides specialist support in environments designed to help people living with dementia feel safe, calm and orientated, with staff trained in person-centred dementia care.
Who it is suitable for
- People living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia
- Families finding home care increasingly difficult to sustain
- Those who would benefit from a calm, structured environment
- People needing specialist memory care or behavioural support
Typical services provided
- Dementia-trained staff and person-centred care plans
- Calm, secure environments designed for orientation
- Life-story work and meaningful daily activities
- Support for families and regular care reviews
- Coordination with GPs, memory clinics and specialists
Dementia care in our directory
A selection of care homes across Wales offering dementia care.
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How to choose a dementia care home
Practical guidance to help families make a confident, informed decision.
- 1
Ask the GP or memory clinic for a current assessment of needs.
- 2
Look for homes with dedicated dementia training and experienced staff.
- 3
Visit in person, observe how staff interact with residents and trust your instincts.
- 4
Read the latest Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) report for each home.
- 5
Discuss how the home will involve the family and adapt as needs change.
Key questions to ask
- How are staff trained in dementia care?
- How is each resident's life story used to inform their care?
- What does a typical day look like, and how are activities tailored?
- How does the home manage distress, wandering or changes in behaviour?
- How is the environment designed to support people with dementia?
- How are families involved as needs change over time?
Dementia care across Wales
Browse care homes in major Welsh local authorities, or explore every area on the counties page.
Frequently asked questions
- What is dementia care?
- Dementia care is specialist support for people living with dementia, delivered in environments designed to feel calm, familiar and easy to navigate.
- When should someone with dementia move into a care home?
- There's no single answer. Many families consider a move when daily life becomes unsafe, when caring at home is no longer sustainable, or when specialist support would clearly improve quality of life.
- What makes a care home dementia-friendly?
- Trained staff, calm and well-lit environments, clear signage, secure outdoor space, life-story work, meaningful activities and a focus on dignity and routine.
- Is dementia care the same as nursing care?
- Not always. Some dementia care is residential; some homes also provide nursing for people with more complex needs. Check each home's registration carefully.
- Who regulates dementia care homes in Wales?
- Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulates and inspects care homes in Wales, including those offering dementia care, and publishes inspection reports for each service.
- How much does dementia care cost in Wales?
- Fees vary by location, the type of care and complexity of needs. Funded Nursing Care may apply where a registered nurse is needed; some people qualify for local authority support after a financial assessment.
- How do I find a dementia care home near me?
- Use our directory to search by town, postcode or local authority and filter by dementia care to compare specialist homes across Wales.
Recommended reading
Care Home Costs in Wales
Typical weekly fees for residential, nursing and dementia care, and what influences the price.
Read guidePaying for Care Homes in Wales
Self-funding, means-tested support, local-authority funding and top-up fees explained.
Read guideResidential Care Homes in Wales
What residential care includes, typical costs, and how to find a residential home near you.
Read guideNursing Homes in Wales
Nursing care explained — 24-hour clinical support, costs, and choosing a nursing home.
Read guideChoosing a Care Home in Wales
A step-by-step guide to shortlisting, visiting and choosing the right care home for a loved one.
Read guide
Find the right dementia care home for your family
Search by town, postcode or local authority and compare care homes across Wales.
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