Impact on Family/Friends

Emotional Impact

Dementia not only affects the person diagnosed but also deeply impacts their family and friends.
It can be emotionally overwhelming to see a loved one’s mental health deteriorate.
Feelings of sadness, fear, and loss are common reactions.
Initial denial or disbelief upon diagnosis is a common emotional reaction in families.
Coping with the changes in their loved one’s personality and behaviour can be confusing and distressing.

Stress and Anxiety

Seeing someone you love struggle with dementia can cause significant stress and anxiety.
Fear of the future and uncertainty about the progression of the illness can heighten these feelings.
Stress commonly stems from the practical challenges of caring for someone with dementia and worrying about their well-being.
Anxiety can also arise from the fear of developing dementia oneself, particularly in cases where the condition runs in the family.

Responsibility and Caregiving

The responsibility of caregiving can be immense and can cause physical and emotional strain.
Basic tasks such as feeding, bathing, and dressing the patient can be demanding and can become increasingly difficult as dementia progresses.
It often requires significant time and commitment, which can affect the caregiver’s work, social life, and overall quality of life.
The caregiver may also need to manage the person’s financial affairs and legal matters.

Grief and Loss

Experiencing feelings of grief is common amongst families of people with dementia, even though the person is still physically present.
This is often termed as ‘ambiguous loss’ and includes missing the person they used to be and grieving for the future they can no longer have.
It can be particularly difficult to cope with dementia due to the progressive nature of the disease and the gradual loss of the person’s identity.

Effect on Relationships

Relationships with the person may change dramatically as dementia progresses.
Role reversal can occur when adult children become caregivers for their parents, which might cause confusion and resentment.
Conflicts can arise amongst family members over the best course of care and decisions about the person’s welfare.
Communication with the person with dementia can become difficult, causing frustration and sadness.

Impact on Social Life

The responsibilities and challenges of caregiving might isolate families from their social circles.
Lack of understanding or awareness about dementia from others can lead to stigma and solitude.
Time to engage in enjoyable activities or personal pursuits may be eroded because of caregiving demands.

Overall, supporting someone with dementia can be an overwhelming and life-altering journey. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support, both for the person living with dementia and their loved ones.