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 was hosted by Dr Jenni Brooks, Associate Professor of Social Policy at Sheffield Hallam University, who presented 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, Damian Murphy, Co-Director of Innovations in Dementia interviewed two people who are living with young onset dementia and were involved in the research, 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, shared her practice and reflections on a guide that was co-designed as part of the research for people working with dementia who live alone.
Dementia UK has information and a leaflet on its website about living alone and dementia.
Webinar date: May 2025