Dementia will make daily activities harder. For younger people, the challenges are often compounded by work responsibilities, having children at home, or managing mortgages and other financial commitments.
Carers and families often worry about safety and managing daily life, especially if the person with dementia is living alone or their primary support is at some distance away.
Stay at home or move to supported living?
A frequent question following diagnosis is whether to remain at home or move to a supportive environment, such as a specialist dementia residence. There are pros and cons to both options.
Careful consideration needs to be made based on your personal circumstances and the person with dementia’s needs. Talk with trusted family members, your GP, a social worker or counsellor, and a financial advisor to gain different perspectives on the merits of a move.
Here are some stories that people with young-onset dementia and their carers have shared:
Maya and Liam
Maya, 52, was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease while working full-time as a project manager. Liam, her husband, was also working and both cared for their three teenage children. Maya began having trouble keeping track of meetings and deadlines and sometimes forgot recent conversations with clients.
After discussion with her employer and occupational therapist, Maya reduced her work hours and shifted to less time-pressured tasks. Liam arranged flexible working hours, and they hired a support worker for a few hours each week to assist with household management and transport. They also set up environmental supports at home, such as labelled storage areas, clear weekly schedules, and digital reminders.
Maya says, “Adjusting home life and how I work helped me stay involved and keep my confidence up. It’s not the same, but I still feel like I’m contributing to my family and to work.”
Jordan
Jordan, 45, was diagnosed with behavioural-variant frontotemporal dementia. Living alone in the city, he initially managed well but began acting impulsively, making inappropriate comments in public and spending money carelessly. He also started withdrawing from friends after some difficult interactions.
After consulting with an occupational therapist and the local young-onset dementia support service, Jordan decided to move to a Supported Independent Living facility. This setup allowed him to maintain independence while having access to staff who could assist if situations became overwhelming.
Jordan appreciates the social opportunities and structured activities: “I have more energy for the things I enjoy, like painting and going to the gym. I don’t have to worry so much about managing everything on my own.”
Consider the following
- Talk with trusted family members, your GP, a social worker or counsellor (if available) and a financial advisor to give you different perspectives on the merits of a move.
- Ask your person’s doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist or aged care service, if required, to assist with living at home.
- Read article 2.24 Living alone with dementia and 3.25 When living alone may no longer be possible
Photo: Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash.
