In Saudi Arabia, caring for elderly parents at home is a deeply held cultural value. Families in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam commonly prioritise solutions that allow loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease to remain in their own villa or expatriate compound, surrounded by family, familiarity, and dignity.
Traditional nursing homes are rare and culturally less accepted in the Kingdom. Instead, dementia care focuses on Home Healthcare Services supported by professional nurses and therapists, with escalation to Long-Term Care & Rehabilitation Hospitals within licensed Medical Cities when medical complexity increases. Understanding safety standards, service options, and realistic costs in 2026 helps families plan confidently.
Understanding Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care in Saudi Arabia
Dementia care in Saudi Arabia differs from Western models. There is no Medicare or Medicaid; instead, care is funded through Private Insurance (such as Bupa Arabia, Tawuniya, or MedGulf), Ministry of Health (MOH) Services for eligible citizens, and private out-of-pocket payments.
All reputable providers must be licensed by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Many premium providers and rehabilitation hospitals also hold accreditation from CBAHI (Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions), signalling adherence to national safety and quality standards.
Primary Care Models for Dementia in the Kingdom
Families typically choose one of the following models based on disease stage, safety risk, and medical needs:
- Home Healthcare with Dementia Training – One-to-one support in the home, including medication supervision and behavioural management.
- Private Live-in Nurse – Continuous supervision for advanced dementia while remaining at home.
- Rehabilitation Hospitals & Extended Care Centres – Short- to medium-term inpatient care within Medical Cities for stabilisation, complications, or respite.
Why Home-Based Dementia Care Is Preferred
Remaining at home offers strong benefits for people living with dementia:
- Reduced confusion and agitation due to familiar surroundings
- Closer family involvement in daily routines
- Greater privacy and dignity
- Lower exposure to facility-acquired infections
For many families, home care also aligns with religious and cultural expectations of family responsibility.
Safety Considerations for Dementia Care at Home
Safety is the most critical factor when supporting Alzheimer’s patients at home. Effective programmes combine professional care with environmental adjustments.
Supervision & Staffing
Depending on disease stage, patients may require:
- Scheduled nursing visits (early stages)
- Extended daily supervision
- 24/7 private live-in nurse (moderate to advanced stages)
For advanced dementia, continuous supervision is essential to prevent wandering, falls, and medication errors.
Home Safety Modifications
Common safety measures include:
- Door alarms and controlled exits
- Non-slip flooring and grab bars
- Clear lighting and visual cues
- Medication lockboxes
These modifications are especially important during the Winter Season, when mobility risks may increase.
When Rehabilitation Hospitals Are Needed
While home care is preferred, Rehabilitation Hospitals within Medical Cities play an important role when:
- Behavioural symptoms escalate
- Medical complications arise
- Post-hospital recovery is required
- Family caregivers need short-term respite
These facilities provide structured environments, medication management, and multidisciplinary oversight. Insurance coverage is more likely for short-term admissions than for long-term residential stays.
Costs of Dementia Home Support in Saudi Arabia (2026)
Costs vary by city, provider type, and level of care. Below are realistic premium-market estimates for 2026.
Home Nursing Visits
- Basic nursing visit: SAR 300 – 500 per visit
- Skilled dementia nursing: SAR 450 – 750 per visit
These services may be partially covered by private insurance when medically justified.
Private Live-in Nurse (24/7)
For advanced Alzheimer’s care, families often choose a live-in nurse.
- Monthly cost: SAR 18,000 – 30,000
Live-in care is usually considered custodial and not fully covered by insurance.
Rehabilitation Hospital Care
Inpatient rehabilitation costs are typically billed directly to insurers for approved stays. Length of stay is capped and regularly reviewed.
Insurance Coverage: What to Expect
Commonly Covered
- Short-term home nursing after hospital discharge
- Physician-prescribed rehabilitation therapies
- Inpatient rehabilitation within Medical Cities
Limited or Not Covered
- Long-term private live-in dementia care
- Non-medical companionship alone
- Indefinite daily nursing without clinical justification
Saudi nationals may also access selected services through MOH Services. Retirement income may be supported by GOSI Pension, while compliance matters fall under ZATCA.
Choosing a Dementia Care Provider in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam
When evaluating providers, families should prioritise:
- MOH licensing and CBAHI accreditation
- Dementia-specific staff training
- Arabic and English-speaking caregivers
- Clear emergency escalation protocols
- Experience coordinating with insurers
Request written care plans, safety assessments, and transparent pricing before committing.
Pros and Cons of Home Dementia Care
Advantages
- Preserves familiar routines and family presence
- One-to-one personalised care
- Greater privacy and cultural alignment
- Flexible scheduling
Disadvantages
- Higher long-term cost for 24/7 supervision
- Limited insurance reimbursement
- Requires active family coordination
Planning Ahead: Budgeting & Care Progression
Dementia is a progressive condition. Families should plan for increasing care intensity over time and anticipate annual cost increases of 3–6%. Many families use a hybrid model: home care in early stages, rehabilitation hospital admissions during crises, then enhanced home support.
Conclusion
In Saudi Arabia, the best dementia and Alzheimer’s care prioritises safety, dignity, and family involvement. Home healthcare services—supported by professional nurses and therapists—allow elderly patients to remain at home, while rehabilitation hospitals provide essential backup for complex needs.
By choosing MOH-licensed providers, understanding insurance limitations, and planning costs realistically, families in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam can ensure compassionate, high-quality dementia support in 2026 and beyond.
FAQ
Is home dementia care better than institutional care in Saudi Arabia?
For many families, yes. Home care aligns with cultural values, reduces confusion for patients, and keeps family closely involved.
How much does Alzheimer’s home care cost in 2026?
Costs range from SAR 300–750 per nursing visit, with private live-in nurses costing approximately SAR 18,000–30,000 per month.
When should families consider a rehabilitation hospital?
When safety risks increase, medical complications arise, or structured rehabilitation is required, short-term admission to a rehabilitation hospital may be appropriate.