Second Partnership and Dementia Care in a Blended Family: Case Study of a Wicked Problem

Abstract

Dementia care research has largely ignored the challenges that may emerge from couple and family dynamics, especially about second partnerships in blended families. This paper details the case of a 79-year-old man, Hannes, in his second partnership who tried to handle the complexities of his wife’s dementia care as her children and healthcare providers discounted his role as husband and decision maker. He faced difficult communications with family members and challenges to his role as decision maker by healthcare providers and legal system professionals. This man’s story is explored through multiple interviews and document analyses from 2020 to 2023. This case study uses the concept of the “wicked problem” to frame the potential complexities of dementia care when blended families are involved in decision making. This framework allows us to consider the many facets of family dementia care and how improvements could be made to facilitate role transitions and family decision making.