Dementia – Pros and Cons of living alone or with a care partner

Minds and Voices (York)

Minds and Voices looked at “the pros, cons and particular needs of those living alone with dementia and those living with a care partner.” This was a conversation that unfolded often within group meetings, with different people having different preferences.

The group carried out a literature review, a series of individual interviews and a focus group involving nine people with dementia in total – four people who lived alone and five who lived with care partners. They asked people to comment about their individual circumstances, and then to reflect on how they might feel if their circumstances changed.

They found that people who lived on their own felt they had many advantages, although loneliness was highlighted as a disadvantage. People who lived with a care partner enjoyed the company, fun and reassurance. However, they commonly found the frustration that dementia can bring to a relationship difficult.