It can be heartbreaking when a loved one with dementia says, “I want to go home.” You might be standing in their living room, yet they still feel lost. This phrase is more common than you think. While it may sound simple, it often reflects deeper feelings of fear, confusion, or longing for a past they remember more clearly than the present.

Instead of taking it literally, it helps to understand what they truly need. In this article, we’ll explore effective ways to respond while keeping both your loved one emotionally supported.

Why Do Dementia Patients Say They Want to Go Home?

When someone with dementia says they want to go home, it often isn’t about a physical place but about a feeling. They may be thinking of their childhood home or a time when life felt safe and familiar.

As dementia progresses, the brain can confuse past and present. Your loved one might not recognize their surroundings, even if they’ve lived there for years. They may feel scared, overwhelmed, or out of place.

This request can also be a sign of discomfort, boredom, or loneliness. Sometimes, it’s triggered by a change in routine or too much noise.

Understanding the “why” behind their words helps you respond with care. Rather than correcting them, focus on meeting the emotional need they’re expressing.

What Not to Do: Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to react with logic when your loved one says they want to go home. You might say, “But you are home,” or try to show them around the house. However, this often leads to more confusion and frustration.

Instead of calming them, correcting or arguing can make them feel misunderstood. They may grow upset or even withdraw.

Another common mistake is brushing off the comment or changing the subject too quickly. While that may seem helpful, it can feel dismissive.

Rather than focusing on facts, try to understand the feeling behind their words. By avoiding these reactions, you’ll create a more peaceful and trusting environment for both of you.

Effective Responses That Calm and Comfort

When a loved one with dementia says they want to go home, your response can shape the moment. Here are gentle ways to bring comfort and reduce anxiety:

• Validate their feelings: Say, “Tell me about your home,” or “You miss it, don’t you?” This shows you’re listening without correcting them.
• Reassure them: Calmly add, “You’re safe here with me.” A soft tone and a comforting touch can lower fear.
• Reminiscence with them: Ask about childhood memories or favorite places. Sharing stories shifts focus to pleasant thoughts.
• Distract with purpose: Suggest activities like folding towels, watering plants, or enjoying a favorite snack. Activity replaces worry with accomplishment.
• Use environmental cues: Play familiar music or display family photos that create a sense of belonging.
• Remain patient: If they repeat the question, respond with kindness each time. Their fear is real, even if the details aren’t.
• Offer comforting objects: Hand them a treasured quilt, their book, or a stuffed animal scented with lavender. Familiar soft textures and smells can soothe restless hands and minds.

Creating a Reassuring Daily Routine

A steady routine helps reduce confusion and anxiety for people with dementia. When the day follows a predictable pattern, your loved one may feel more at ease. Try these tips:

• Set regular times: Wake up, eat meals, and go to bed at the same times each day to create structure.
• Use gentle transitions: Move slowly between tasks. Give simple cues like “Now it’s time for lunch.”
• Reduce noise: Turn off loud TVs or radios. A quiet environment feels less overwhelming.
• Avoid sudden changes: Stick to a set schedule. If change is needed, explain calmly and clearly.
• Plan for calm afternoons: Choose quiet activities later in the day to help prevent restlessness or agitation.

Make Their Environment Feel More Like Home

You need to take extra steps to make the home more familiar to your loved one. That’s why small changes can bring comfort and reduce the urge to leave. Try these ideas:

• Display personal items: Use family photos, favorite blankets, or a familiar chair to spark recognition.
• Add familiar scents: The smell of lavender, coffee, or home-cooked meals can bring a sense of safety.
• Label everyday spaces: Put simple signs on doors, drawers, and cabinets to reduce confusion.
• Create soothing spaces: Choose soft lighting and quiet corners where they can relax peacefully.
• Encourage light tasks: Folding laundry or setting the table builds routine and helps them feel included.

When to Seek Extra Help or Guidance

There may come a time when home care becomes tough to handle. If your loved one continues to show behaviors such as constant restlessness, aggression, or frequent confusion, it could be a sign that they need more support.

Professional dementia care doesn’t mean you’ve failed. On the contrary, it can give you both the safety, peace, and balance you need to keep going.

Benefits of In-Home Dementia Care in Cleveland

When routines become too much to manage alone, in-home care offers a safe, supportive solution. First, staying in a familiar environment can ease confusion and reduce stress.

Additionally, trained caregivers provide one-on-one attention. They help with everything from daily tasks to emotional support.

At BrightStar Care Cleveland, we tailor each plan with skilled nursing oversight. This allows families to feel confident that their loved one is receiving compassionate, personalized care right at home.

Conclusion
Hearing “I want to go home” from a loved one with dementia can be painful, but it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. More often, it’s a sign they’re looking for comfort and connection.

By responding patiently, building routines, and creating a calming environment, you can help meet that emotional need. Still, you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re caring for someone with dementia in the Greater Cleveland Area, reach out to BrightStar Care for expert in-home support that brings relief, reassurance, and peace of mind. You can call (440) 613-1500 to learn more.