What is EMI Care?
EMI stands for Elderly Mentally Infirm care. This specialist type of care supports older adults experiencing advanced dementia, complex mental health challenges, or severe cognitive decline.
EMI care provides 24/7 supervision, specialist dementia support and a safe, secure environment tailored to meet the needs of individuals who may experience confusion, memory difficulties or challenging behaviours.
Who is EMI Care For?
EMI care is designed for older people who have mental health needs or advanced cognitive decline.
Individuals may experience:
- Acute forgetfulness
- Confusion and disorientation
- Reduced mobility
- Dementia-related cognitive decline
- Co-existing physical health conditions (e.g. arthritis)
- Difficulty completing daily tasks (washing, dressing, etc)
- Behaviours that may challenge (aggression, agitation, unpredictable moods)
- Wandering or getting lost
- Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression or paranoia
Common diagnoses among people receiving EMI care include:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Vascular Dementia
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Mixed Dementia
- Parkinson’s Disease
Where is EMI Care provided? (EMI Units Explained)
EMI care is offered in specialised units within:
- Specialist Dementia Units within residential care homes
- Nursing Homes with EMI Nursing Units, where a Registered Nurse is available 24 hours a day to deliver medical care.
These units are specifically designed for individuals living with advanced dementia or mental health conditions.
What an EMI Unit Provides:
- Round the clock specialist support
- Staff trained to support individuals with advanced dementia and mental health care.
- Structured brain-stimulating activities such as music therapy and reminiscence sessions.
- Specialist care plans for each resident
- Safe environment to protect residents, especially those prone to wandering
- Higher staff-to-resident ratios
Is an EMI Unit the Same as a Specialist Dementia Care Unit?
Yes, EMI care is commonly known as a specialist dementia care unit.
The term 'EMI' is becoming outdated, and many professionals in the field are opting for terms like:
- Specialist dementia care unit
- Advanced dementia unit
EMI Care vs Nursing Care: What is the Difference?
Primary Focus
- EMI: Complex mental health and advanced dementia needs
- Nursing: General medical and nursing support for a wide range of conditions (e.g. diabetes, wound care, and post-stroke care).
Staffing
- EMI: Staff with specialist dementia training and Registered Nurses on duty 24/7
- Nursing: Always have a Registered Nurse on duty
Environment
- EMI: Secure, dementia-friendly layouts, such as sensory spaces and locked doors.
- Nursing: Clinically safe spaces, sometimes with additional security measures
Level of Need
- EMI: Complex dementia-related or high mental health needs
- Nursing: High medical needs that require nursing interventions
What Do Staff Do in EMI Care?
Staff working in EMI care are specially trained and provide:
- Personal care
- Health monitoring and medication management
- Communication and understanding
- Dementia-focused activities
- Emotional support and calm communication techniques
- Safety, reassurance and de-escalation support
- Advocacy and best interest decision-making
What is Daily Life Like in an EMI Unit?
Personalised routine
Residents receiving EMI care follow a care plan aligned with their needs, habits and abilities.
Specialist activities
Activities teams plan meaningful engagement, specifically tailored with residents’ complex needs in mind, such as:
- Music therapy
- Reminiscence sessions
- Sensory stimulation
- Social group activities, including family members
24-hour specialist support
Skilled staff provide constant care, reassurance and rapid response to any challenging situations.
Dining and Nutrition
- Nutritious home-cooked meals
- Support with eating and drinking
- Monitoring for weight changes and swallowing difficulties
Safety Measures
- Secure doors and gardens
- Easy-to-navigate layouts
- Colour cues for recognition and orientation
Social Interaction
- Frequent visits encouraged
- Communal spaces for connection with fellow residents
How to Get Assessed for EMI Care?
Step 1: Request a Care Needs Assessment
Contact your local authority online or over the phone. This assessment identifies whether the individual requires residential or specialist EMI care.
Step 2: Assessment Appointment
A healthcare professional, such as a Social Worker or Occupational Therapist, will meet with the person and their family to evaluate mental, physical and emotional needs.
Step 3: Outcome & Care Plan
A tailored Care Plan will be created. If EMI is appropriate, the local authority will guide you through the next steps.
Funding for EMI Care
If EMI care is recommended, a Financial Assessment will follow.
England Funding Thresholds
- Savings that exceed £23,250: Self-funding unless you qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding or Funded Nursing Care (FNC).
- Savings below £23,250: Local authority funding support
NHS Funding Options
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): Fully funded care for those meeting a strict criteria
- NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC): A weekly contribution for people needing nursing input
Support Services:
Age UK - Free, confidential help line that can provide funding advice.
Find out more about care costs.
How are EMI Units Regulated?
- England: Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- Scotland: Care Inspectorate Scotland
- Wales: Care Inspectorate Wales
In England, EMI Units must comply with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 in England, covering:
- Person-centred care
- Safety & security
- Staffing & training
- Premises and equipment
- Complaints handling
How to Find EMI Care Providers
You can search for EMI care providers through:
TrustedCare.co.uk
A free national directory with Care Advisers who help families shortlist services EMI units and navigate funding questions.
Local Authorities
Most councils provide lists of local care homes that offer EMI care. Find your local authority with the GOV.uk online tool.
CQC Website
Search by postcode, filter by rating and specialisms and review inspection reports to compare providers.
