Supporting people living alone with young onset dementia
People can and do live successfully on their own with dementia, even if they do not have family or friends nearby to support them. However, there are important considerations about how people in this situation can be best supported by professionals.
Our webinar on Wednesday 14th May 2025 at 12.30-1.30pm will be hosted by Dr Jenni Brooks, Associate Professor of Social Policy at Sheffield Hallam University, who will present the findings of a research project – ‘Living alone with dementia: managing without informal support to contact and navigate services’.
Findings show that people in this group often slip off the agenda and some services are set up so that a carer, relative or friend has to be involved. However, people can build up a network of support, and input to help them with this can make a difference. Emotional support and peer support are a central part of what is needed. Helping people to plan ahead reduces the fear of something being imposed in the future.
As well as the research findings, you will hear from two people who are living with young onset dementia, Wayne and Michael, about their experiences of living alone, and what has been helpful to them. And Jane King, an experienced social worker from North Yorkshire Council, will share her practice and reflect on a guide that was co-designed as part of the research for people working with dementia who live alone.
Damian Murphy, Co-Director of Innovations in Dementia, will talk about how people with dementia who live alone without carers were involved in the research. You will come away with some key principles and a list of questions for your organisation or service to consider to provide good support for this group.