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Living Alone with Dementia

A Case Study Approach to Understanding Risk

Community Services Department, Enniskillen

Faith Gibson

University of Ulster

Jim Campbell

Queens University, Belfast

As the number of people with dementia is increasing alongside the social trend of a greater proportion of the population living on their own, this article seeks to explore a number of issues arising from these circumstances. It summarizes a qualitative study of ten people with dementia who live alone in their own homes. The views of these individuals, their families and care staff, GPs, district nurses and social workers are described and analysed, providing insights into the different perceptions of risk. The findings and discussion highlight issues relating to assessing and managing risk and problems and opportunities related to living alone with dementia. In this study no incidents of major harm were reported and daily contact with others was considerable. However, resources and support are needed to enable professionals, families and people with dementia to achieve a sense of shared negotiated responsibility for risk taking.

Key Words: caring • living alone • multi-disciplinary work • rural

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