London records lowest dementia care figures in England, new figures reveal
New figures show that London has the lowest number of individuals receiving care for dementia compared to the rest of the country.
The findings come from data analysis by the Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS) of the latest Dementia Indicators from the Department of Health and Social Care.
Residential Care
11,700 people with dementia live in residential care homes in the capital, again, the lowest figure in England.
The North East and Yorkshire reports 25,200, more than double London's number.
Residential care homes remain the most common setting for care across all regions.
The South East came second with 21,700 individuals with dementia residing in residential care.
However, the East of England came third, with 19,100 individuals with dementia living in a residential care home.
| Region | Residential Care Home |
| North East and Yorkshire | 25,200 |
| South East | 21,700 |
| East | 19,100 |
| Midlands | 17,100 |
| North West | 17,100 |
| South West | 17,100 |
| London | 11,700 |
Nursing Home Support
Only 4,600 residents with dementia are living in nursing homes.
In comparison, the Midlands and the South West both had 3,800 individuals affected by dementia living in a nursing home.
| Region | Nursing Home |
| South East | 8,900 |
| North West | 6,000 |
| North East and Yorkshire | 5,300 |
| London | 4,600 |
| Midlands | 3,800 |
| South West | 3,800 |
| East of England | 2,900 |
Living at Home
Even in home-based care, London remains behind other regions. 11,700 people live in private residences with dementia in London, compared to 21,100 individuals in the North East and Yorkshire living in a private residence.
| Region | Private Residence |
| North East and Yorkshire | 21,100 |
| Midlands | 17,000 |
| East of England | 16,500 |
| London | 11,700 |
| South East | 9,800 |
| North West | 7,500 |
| South West | 7,400 |
Amelia Hornsby of the Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS) commented, “The regional breakdowns provide valuable insights into the importance of care for those who are living with dementia.”
“Choosing the right dementia care setting can be very emotional and it is crucial not only for meeting the medical needs of individuals but also for preserving their quality of life, independence, and dignity.
“Each person’s condition and circumstances are different. While some may thrive in a residential or nursing home, others benefit more from remaining in their own homes with the right support systems in place. Tailoring care to the individual can make a significant difference to their comfort, mental wellbeing, and overall outcomes.”
How to Spot the Tell-Tale Signs of Dementia
Cognitive and Memory Changes
“If you notice a loved one frequently forgetting recent events, conversations, or where they’ve placed things, it could be a sign of short-term memory loss, one of the more obvious early indicators of cognitive change.
Pay attention to whether they're struggling with familiar tasks like preparing meals or using a phone, as this may suggest difficulty with day-to-day functioning.
Language Issues
“Language issues are also common in dementia, as someone might repeat themselves, struggle to find the right words, or start calling things by the wrong name.
Confusion and Disorientation
“Losing track of time or place and getting lost in familiar surroundings can be stressful for all involved.
Changes in Judgment and Thinking
“Another important sign is if your loved one exhibits poor judgment or makes unusual decisions such as dressing inappropriately or giving away large sums of money.
Mood and Personality Shifts
“You may have noticed that a loved one is withdrawing from a social activity they usually enjoy and may appear more depressed and anxious.
“These changes are important to recognise early, so don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance if you have any concerns.”