CAREN logo

You are here

  1. Home
  2. Coping with dementia and older families of adults with Down syndrome

Coping with dementia and older families of adults with Down syndrome

The authors studied a group of older carers of aging adults with Down syndrome (DS) to ascertain what effects such caregiving may have on them given the presence or possibility of age-associated decline or dementia. The study also examined the comparative levels of care provided, key signs noted when decline was beginning, the subjective burden experienced, and what were the key associated health factors when carers faced a changed level of care. The authors found that this group was made up of long-term, committed carers who have decided early on to look after their relative with DS over their lifetime. When faced with the onset and ongoing progression of dementia, their commitment was still evident as evidenced by adopting physical accommodations and finding ways to continue to provide care at home, while also seeking help from outside sources. Most saw a family or group home environment as the place of choice for their relative with DS when they decided they could no longer offer care. The study did not ascertain any burn-out or significant health related problems associated with their continued caregiving save for their concerns about day-to-day strain and what will happen in the future.

Access source material through DOI
Additional Titles
Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice

Key Information

Type of Reference
Jour
ISBN/ISSN
1471-3012
Resource Database
Social care online
Publication Year
2010
Issue Number
3
Volume Number
9
Start Page
391-407