Think relationships: caring for someone with dementia

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a family carer's personal account of the importance of relationships between the person with dementia, their carer, family, friends, health and social care professionals, and the workforce who offer care, from pre‐diagnosis through 16 years of decline to death.

Design/methodology/approach

A personal account from the point of view of a former carer of a person with dementia.

Findings

The thread throughout the narrative of this paper is the necessity for everyone who comes into contact with the person with dementia to develop a much greater understanding of what it is like to live with the condition and as a result, how more enlightened care and support can be offered. Central to this is access to expert advice concerning dementia care and support in order to achieve the main goal of protecting and maintaining relationships.

Originality/value

The author draws on personal experiences and reflects on the lessons learned during the time as her husband's carer and information she wished she had possessed earlier.

Citation

Pointon, B. (2011), "Think relationships: caring for someone with dementia", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 67-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/14717791111144678