“It is not the same”: relationships and dementia
Benbow, Susan M. Tsaroucha, Anna Sharman, Victoria
Benbow, Susan M.
Tsaroucha, Anna
Sharman, Victoria
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EPub Date
Publication Date
2019-08-28
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Abstract
People living with dementia may live in relationship with partners, family members, and significant others. Dementia has been shown to impact on such relationships but relationships also impact on the dementia condition. Thirteen people took part in the study: all were caring for a person living with dementia and two were themselves living with dementia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants focusing on changes in close relationships, including changes in intimate (sexual) relationships where appropriate. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: changes in couple relationships; changes in non-partner relationships; talking about oneself in relationship; and talking about people with dementia in relationship. In conclusion, participants’ lived experiences highlight the need for ongoing relational support and an education-based counseling program that could potentially address many of participants’ highlighted needs.
Citation
Benbow, S. M., Tsaroucha, A., & Sharman, V. (2019). “It is not the same”: relationships and dementia. Educational Gerontology, 45(7), 454-468. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2019.1656892
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Journal
Educational Gerontology
Research Unit
DOI
10.1080/03601277.2019.1656892
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PubMed Central ID
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Article
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Series/Report no.
ISSN
0360-1277
EISSN
1521-0472