Multigenerational Care For Dementia Patients: Potential Benefits And Challenges
Dementia is a set of symptoms primarily caused by certain neurological disorders that result in progressive cognitive decline, meaning that those with dementia will require increasing levels of care over time. Multigenerational care for dementia is when more than one generation of individuals is involved in the care of a dementia patient. It can look like in-home care in a household where multiple generations live or participation in enrichment activities that involve people of various ages, such as might be held regularly in a care facility.
Both may offer benefits to all involved. However, multigenerational caregiving for dementia—particularly when all participants are under the same roof—can also pose certain challenges. Read on to learn more about common benefits and difficulties of multigenerational care for people with dementia.
Intergenerational programs for individuals with dementia
Intergenerational programs (IPs) aim to offer strategies for social engagement that promote cooperation and interaction among individuals of two or more generations. They can take almost any form, from singing and music groups to gardening classes to game nights. Virtually any type of activity designed for entertainment or enrichment that involves close participation between members of different generations can qualify as an IP.
Potential benefits of IPs for dementia patients
In addition, one systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of participation in intergenerational programs for residents with dementia in institutions of long-term care. Its findings suggest the residents experienced the following benefits of IPs:
- Increased happiness
- Reduced sorrow
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved quality of life
- Better communication abilities
- Increased stability of their overall health condition
Plus, IPs can act as a source of social interaction, which can be crucial for overall well-being—including for those with dementia. Loneliness is a risk factor for developing dementia in the first place, and studies suggest that social interaction may even help improve cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Potential benefits of IPs for younger individuals
Children and young adults generally may lack understanding and empathy for those with dementia, so increasing these two factors is one aim and potential benefit of intergenerational programs. Spending time with individuals with dementia may reduce misconceptions about the condition and help younger people build empathy for those experiencing it. They may also build stronger social and communication skills and enjoy other possible benefits of social interaction in general.
Intergenerational family caregiving for those with dementia
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are primarily cared for by family members or friends. The CDC also reports that over half (57%) will care for an individual with dementia for four years or more, which underscores the need for attention to caregiver health and well-being.
Demands associated with caring for someone with dementia over the longer term may raise the risk of depression, anxiety, burnout, and stress-related conditions and negatively impact one's quality of life. That’s why attention must be paid to caregiver health and well-being, and another reason why multigenerational dementia caregiving may be beneficial for all involved.
Potential benefits of multigenerational dementia caregiving
In addition to providing regular social interaction for all members, including the patient, and increasing empathy and learning from each other, multigenerational households may help distribute care responsibilities. Instead of all the individual’s care needs falling on one person, like their spouse or child, multiple family members living at home may be able to pitch in. Responsibilities can be divided up more equally, emotional support may be more readily available, and free respite care from other family members can provide primary caregivers with necessary breaks often.
Research also suggests that "older adults from multigenerational households had, on average, higher levels of cognitive functioning relative to those from two-parent households,” although the findings did not apply to rates of cognitive decline.
Potential challenges of multigenerational dementia caregiving
Despite the potential benefits, caring for an individual with dementia in a multigenerational household can have its difficulties as well. Common challenges may include having little time alone and experiencing family disagreements about issues relating to the person’s care.
To address these complex challenges and improve care for the individual and the well-being of everyone, some helpful strategies to consider might include:
- Delegating tasks and responsibilities to other family members
- Planning regular family meetings to discuss care priorities and challenges
- Making time and space to hear each family member's perspectives and needs
- Finding a mediator, such as a therapist or trusted neutral party, to help with especially challenging or contentious conversations as needed
- Checking in on each other’s mental health regularly and monitoring for signs of stress, anxiety, and depression
- Making time for healthy habits, such as exercise, mindfulness, and enough sleep
- Spending time with supportive friends outside the home
- Taking time alone when possible
- Sharing what you're going through with others to receive emotional support
- Acknowledging what you have been able to accomplish
Therapy for addressing the needs of caregivers
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be stressful, whether you’re doing so in a multigenerational household with the support of relatives or not. If you’re experiencing high levels of stress and/or other mental health concerns, you may want to consider engaging in therapy. A therapist can support you in expressing your emotions in a healthy way, addressing challenges related to caregiving and/or mental health, and finding positive ways to cope with stress.
If you don’t have time to look up therapists in your area and then travel to and from in-person appointments, you might find online therapy more convenient. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who suits your needs and preferences according to your answers to a questionnaire. You can then attend sessions with them via video call, phone, and/or in-app messaging from home, work, or anywhere you have an internet connection.
A recent study examined the effectiveness of “telephone-supported” online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—one of many on the broader topic in recent years. The study involved 176 caregivers of people with dementia, and the findings suggest evidence for the effectiveness of phone-supported online CBT.
Takeaway
- Previous Article
- Next Article