Quick answer
Dementia home care combines a safer home, a steady routine and the right amount of help: family, a trained home care aide, adult day programs and respite breaks. Start with safety (falls, the stove, medications, wandering), then add help where the gaps are. In 2025 home care had a median of $34 an hour in Kansas and $33 in Missouri (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025). (800) 614-8388 to find dementia-trained caregivers near you.
Make the home safer
- Remove trip hazards: loose rugs, clutter, cords. Add night lights and grab bars.
- Lock up medications, cleaning products, guns and car keys.
- Turn off or add an automatic shut-off to the stove.
- Set the water heater to a safe temperature.
- Add door chimes or alarms if wandering starts, and keep a recent photo handy.
- Label drawers and doors with words or pictures.
Build a steady routine
People with dementia often do better with the same routine every day: meals, bathing and outings at the same times. Keep instructions short, one step at a time. Late afternoon can bring more confusion (often called sundowning); plan calm activities and good light then.
Where paid help fits
- Home care aides for bathing, meals, supervision and company. Ask whether caregivers are trained in dementia care. See in-home care.
- Adult day programs for a supervised, social day. In 2025 adult day health care had a median daily rate of $200 in Kansas and $95 in Missouri.
- Respite care for caregiver breaks. See respite care.
- Home health care for skilled needs after a hospital stay, often covered by Medicare.
Look after the caregiver
Dementia caregiving is hard and long. The Alzheimer's Association runs a 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 and local support groups. Your Area Agency on Aging (1-800-677-1116) knows about local caregiver programs and respite. On the Kansas side, Johnson County Aging and Human Services; on the Missouri side, the Mid-America Regional Council.
Signs home may no longer be enough
Wandering, repeated falls, aggression, round-the-clock care needs, or a caregiver whose own health is failing. See when is it time for memory care.
Need dementia-trained help at home?
We'll introduce you to agencies near your parent and talk through what comes next. Free.
Questions families ask
Can a person with dementia live alone?
In the early stage some do, with checks and help. As dementia progresses, living alone usually becomes unsafe.
How much does dementia care at home cost?
It depends on hours. Home care had a 2025 median of $34 an hour in Kansas and $33 in Missouri. Full-time or overnight care costs much more.
Does Medicare pay for dementia care at home?
Not for non-medical care. It pays for home health care when your parent qualifies.
How do I get a break?
Adult day programs, respite stays and home care aides can all give you time off. Ask your Area Agency on Aging about local respite help.