stage: 4

Are people with dementia happier at home? What the evidence says and what it misses

Many people with dementia express a strong preference for remaining at home, and in the early stages familiar surroundings, routines, and relationships can genuinely support emotional wellbeing. However, as the disease progresses, the ability to perceive and articulate happiness becomes more limited. What can be said is that a person's emotional wellbeing is most strongly influenced by the quality of their relationships and interactions rather than the physical setting. A warm, skilled, person-centred care team in a nursing home can create a sense of security and contentment comparable to or better than an isolated home environment with inadequate support.