The hidden cost of agitation in dementia care homes

Nearly half of the yearly costs of dementia care in care homes are linked to agitation. Addressing it is not just good care — it’s good leadership.

Agitation is one of the most common challenges in dementia care. For residents, it can mean distress, frustration, or even aggression. And for staff, it adds pressure, stress, and more time spent managing crises instead of providing meaningful care.

But beyond the emotional distress it can cause, agitation also carries a very real financial weight for care homes. Research shows that agitation can account for up to 44% of the annual dementia care costs in care homes. This means that agitation is not just a care challenge, but one of the biggest hidden costs in dementia care.

In this article, we’re exploring the hidden financial impact of agitation in dementia care homes and how you can take proactive steps to reduce and prevent it. Addressing agitation not only improves residents’ quality of life, but it also protects the long-term sustainability of care institutions.

What is agitation in dementia?

Agitation is the state of restlessness, worry or distress that people with dementia often experience. It’s easy to identify — pacing or wandering, aggressive behaviors, repetitive questions, and vocal outbursts are all common signs of agitation. These behaviours often come from unmet needs, confusion, or overstimulation, and their ripple effects reach everyone in the care home community.

For residents, it reduces quality of life, affects dignity, and increases the risk of injury. Staff quickly feels it through emotional exhaustion, high stress levels, and a sense of work dissatisfaction. Families may feel worried or anxious about their loved one’s well-being, not to mention their potential loss of trust in the facility.

What agitation costs dementia care homes

The financial consequences of agitation are often underestimated, or not even considered at all. Yet care homes pay the price in different ways:

• More staff needed: The more frequent the agitation episodes, the more nurses and carers are needed to maintain safety and well-being. This quickly increases staffing costs.
• Increased use of medication: When agitation is not prevented, residents may need antipsychotics or sedatives prescribed, adding to the costs and risking side effects.
• Low family satisfaction: Families who see high levels of agitation may lose confidence in the care being provided. Over time, this can damage a care home’s reputation and lead to fewer admissions.
• Staff turnover: Stress and burnout drive absenteeism and staff leaving the sector altogether. Recruiting, onboarding, and training replacements creates an expensive cycle.

All of these factors can quickly add up, turning agitation into a hidden but heavy burden on care home budgets.

Practical ways to reduce agitation in dementia

Evidence shows that there are non-pharmaceutical, proactive approaches that can reduce and prevent episodes of agitation for people living with dementia. Here are some practical strategies that can make a real difference:

Interactive games for dementia care

Play can be a powerful way to reduce stress while bringing calm and connection. Tools like the Tovertafel use interactive games to encourage movement, reduce restlessness, and create moments of joy for people with dementia. By keeping residents engaged in meaningful play, these activities can help tackle stress and prevent agitation before it builds up.

Music or sensory therapy

Music should never be underestimated. Familiar songs and rhythms can soothe, reconnect and lift moods. A simple playlist can bring back good memories, reduce stress, and create a positive atmosphere for residents! Other sensory approaches like scents or tactile activities can also bring comfort and reduce restlessness.

Establishing routines

Agitation often rises when life feels unpredictable. Setting a clear, consistent daily routine can help residents feel more at peace and safe. Familiar activities, meals at the same times, or a bedtime routine can give residents a sense of familiarity, helping them feel safe and less anxious.

Designing safe and calming spaces

Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that can have the biggest impact. Making sure your care home has soft lighting, reduced background noise, and safe spaces to walk around freely can prevent agitation among residents before it starts.

Conclusion: Lowering costs & improving care

Agitation is common, but fortunately not inevitable. As we have explored, the costs go far beyond the emotional burden on residents, staff and families — they also affect a care home’s budget.

The good news is that there are proven strategies that can help care homes effectively prevent agitation. From purposeful play and interactive game tools to music, calming routines, and thoughtful environments, each of these approaches brings comfort and stability into daily dementia care.

One scientifically proven example is the Tovertafel, a system that projects interactive games designed specifically for people with dementia. By encouraging movement, creating moments of joy, and stimulating cognitive and emotional well-being, it helps reduce agitation through play. The best part? Your care staff does not need special training to use it. So in a matter of minutes, caregivers can start up a soothing game for residents.

If you’re curious about how purposeful play can help reduce agitation in your care home (while cutting costs), we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch us and discover how the Tovertafel can support residents, staff and the financial sustainability of your care home.