The Majority of People with Dementia Live at Home
Around two-thirds, or over 60%, of the nearly one million people with dementia in the UK live in their own homes within the community. This figure has been cited by leading dementia charities and research papers, highlighting that for many, institutional care is not the immediate or only option. The goal for many individuals and their families is to enable 'aging in place'—the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably for as long as possible.
While the national percentage provides a clear picture, it’s important to understand the nuance behind this statistic. The ability for a person with dementia to remain at home is influenced by numerous factors, including the stage and severity of their condition, the availability of informal care from family and friends, and access to formal support services. This reflects a significant shift in thinking towards promoting independence and a better quality of life for individuals with dementia.
Key Factors Supporting Independent Living
Several pillars of support are crucial in enabling people with dementia to remain in their own homes.
The Role of Unpaid Carers
For the vast majority of people with dementia living at home, the backbone of their support comes from unpaid carers—often a spouse, family member, or friend. These individuals provide countless hours of personal care, emotional support, and assistance with daily tasks. It's an immense commitment that saves the UK economy billions each year, but it can also place a significant emotional and financial strain on carers. The level of support from family networks is often the primary determinant of how long a person with dementia can stay at home.
Adaptations and Assistive Technology
Making a home environment dementia-friendly is a critical step in promoting safety and independence. This can involve relatively simple modifications or more advanced assistive technology.
- Simple Adaptations: Using high-contrast colours for doors and walls, improving lighting to reduce shadows and confusion, and removing trip hazards like loose rugs.
- Assistive Devices: Using sensor lights that turn on automatically, large-display clocks that show the date and time, and reminder devices for medication or tasks.
- Safety Measures: Installing key safes for controlled access and flood/scald prevention plugs in kitchens and bathrooms can prevent accidents.
Community and Professional Services
Beyond unpaid care, a network of formal support services helps people remain at home. These include:
- Day Centres: Providing structured activities and social interaction for the person with dementia, while also offering respite for carers.
- Befriending Services: Often run by volunteers, these services offer companionship to combat loneliness and social isolation, a particular risk for those living alone.
- Paid Carers: Care agencies can provide professional carers who visit regularly to help with personal care, meal preparation, and other daily tasks.
- Occupational Therapy: A professional can perform a home assessment to identify specific adaptations and equipment needed to maintain safety and independence.
Comparison: Living at Home vs. Care Home
| Aspect | Living at Home | Care Home |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Familiar, comfortable, and personalized. Allows for continuity of life within a known community. | Purpose-built, safe, and secure environment designed for specific needs. Can be a significant adjustment. |
| Social Life | Maintains existing social circles with family, friends, and community groups. Risk of loneliness if support is inadequate. | Offers built-in social opportunities with other residents and staff. Can provide a more structured social life. |
| Care Level | Can be highly personalised, but care provision often falls on family. Access to specialised medical support can be slower. | Professional, round-the-clock care available from trained staff. Medical care is typically integrated. |
| Cost | Can involve significant private costs for adaptations, paid carers, and lost income for family carers. Financial burden largely falls on families. | Significant ongoing cost, though council funding may be available depending on financial assessment. Costs are often predictable. |
| Caregiver Stress | Can lead to high levels of emotional and physical stress for unpaid family carers, impacting their own health and well-being. | Alleviates pressure on family caregivers, allowing them to focus on their relationship with their loved one. |
Living Alone with Dementia
A subset of the home-based population are those with dementia who live alone. As of 2019, around 120,000 people in the UK were in this situation, with that number predicted to double by 2039. For these individuals, a combination of technology, community support, and regular check-ins from family is essential. Early-stage dementia can allow for a period of independent living, but as the condition progresses, safety concerns become more pronounced. Support services like befriending, meal delivery, and telecare systems become vital for maintaining well-being and safety.
The Broader Context of Dementia Care
The discussion around where people with dementia live is also influenced by the wider care landscape. With an aging population, the number of people with dementia is set to rise, putting further pressure on both formal social care and informal family care. The choice to remain at home is often a preferred one, but it requires substantial resources and support. As shown in the 2025 Dementia Profile data for England, while care home bed capacity is increasing, so is the overall prevalence of dementia, meaning demand continues to grow.
Resources from organisations like the Alzheimer's Society are critical in helping families navigate these complex choices and find the right support.
Find expert information and support on dementia care from the Alzheimer's Society
The Future of Living with Dementia
The drive to help people live well with dementia for as long as possible at home is a central goal for many health organisations. Innovations in assistive technology, greater public awareness, and stronger community support networks will all be vital as the dementia population continues to grow. The percentage of people living at home is a key indicator of successful community-based care, reflecting both the resilience of individuals with dementia and the strength of the support systems around them.
Conclusion: The Future of Home-Based Dementia Care
Ultimately, the choice of where a person with dementia lives is a highly personal one, but it is clear that the vast majority are and will continue to be cared for within their own homes and local communities. This is made possible through a combination of dedicated unpaid carers, technological adaptations, and a network of professional services. Understanding this statistic is the first step towards ensuring all people with dementia receive the care they need, wherever they call home.
