Supporting a family living with young-onset dementia: a case study

Abstract

In the UK, it is estimated that people living with young-onset dementia (YOD) accounts for a small, but significant, number of the total population living with dementia. The diagnosis happens at an unexpected time in one's life, and as a life-limiting condition, there are implications for the whole family, including managing employment, finances and debt, supporting dependent children and accessing age-appropriate support services. YOD causes a disproportionate burden on family members and appropriate care services can be challenging to find. The case study discussed follows a family's journey from pre-diagnosis, to subsequently engaging with the Admiral Nurse Helpline and then an Admiral Nurse in the family's locality, and considers the issues and challenges faced by them.