Dementia in the family: Two Norwegian case studies

Abstract

With increasing longevity the numbers of people suffering from dementia are rising. This development creates problems and dilemmas for public health care agencies as well as close relatives who are expected to provide care. This article is based on two Norwegian case studies of spouses and adult children who give care to elderly people – both males and females – with dementia. Nine families were included in these studies, and a total of 27 persons were interviewed (husbands, wives, sons and daughters). Central topics discussed in this article are the initial phases of the illness, the heavy demands of home care, and dilemmas associated with multiple caregiving roles. The analyses demonstrate the many challenges encountered by people with family members who suffer from dementia.