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Living alone with dementia
- Authors:
- DUANE Fleur, BRASHER Kathleen, KOCH Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 12(1), 2013, pp.123-136.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Living alone, social isolation and loneliness are terms used interchangeably, although they are really different, but related, concepts. Social isolation of older people who live alone is a major concern for aged care service providers. It is often linked with factors such as physical disability, poor health, loss of a partner and an absence of transport. Cognitive impairment or dementia can exacerbate the situation by curtailing independence and limiting social roles. This paper reports a study undertaken in 2009 with older people who live alone with cognitive impairment or early stage dementia to explore their perspective and experience of living alone. A total of 19 participants were recruited (13 female). The female participants were aged between 79 and 93, and the men between 69 and 91. On average, participants had been living alone for 14 years. Most participants were interviewed two or three times. The following themes were identified: life alone, social contact and support networks, purpose and identity in older age, risk and support strategies. The study findings are discussed through these themes.