Managing Family Dynamics and Dementia
By Polly Logan, Positive Approach to Care Team Member, and Carolyn Lukert, MBA, CGCM, PAC Consultant and Mentor
Dementia care specialist Teepa Snow often says that four out of five families fall apart when dementia becomes a part of the family.
Why do you think this may be? What can be done to change that statistic? What can you do to be the one in five that survives, and maybe even comes through the experience stronger?
When someone receives a diagnosis of dementia, the individual is not the only one affected. Instead, the diagnosis greatly affects the family and friends of the individual, as well. While this is true for many medical conditions, it seems to be especially so for dementia. When a family has many members, the responsibilities can be shared by more individuals, which may make things easier for all.
On the other hand, more family members involved often means a greater risk for conflicts and disagreements about various care decisions. When blended families are involved, this risk is often even greater.
How can a family work together as a team as effectively as possible during the dementia journey?
As soon as someone in the family starts noticing changes, consider calling a…
