Supporting the friendships of people with dementia

Abstract

Using illustrative case examples, in this paper we explore the friendships of people with dementia in the early stages of the condition and the benefits of looking beyond the family as the 'go to' support network that practitioners tend to focus on in their work with people with dementia. The importance of participatory approaches in both research and practice for understanding the friendship experiences of people with dementia is highlighted. The case studies include a personal narrative on friendships from one of the authors, a person living with dementia. This is followed by an account of a peer support group for people with dementia where the interactions in the group are explored alongside consideration of the significance and outcomes of creating such social spaces for people with dementia. We pay particular attention to the emerging phenomenon of 'facilitated friendships' as practitioners work to support collective agency on the part of people with dementia.

‘We have different routes for different reasons’: Exploring the purpose of walks for carers of people with dementia

“…While one's history in a particular neighbourhood can often facilitate such non-stigmatizing connections due to familiarity (Clarke & Bailey, 2016), for the participants, history was not a guarantee of acceptance. For instance, Janet explained that certain long-standing neighbours and friends had pulled away as her mother declined, echoing previous research that demonstrates that while friendships can be a vital source of support, friendships can also be difficult to maintain post-diagnosis (Ward, Howorth, Wilkinson, Campbell, & Keady, 2012). As I elucidate in the discussion, the participants' descriptions of their social and community connections indicate that they receive support from a complex variety of sources, both old and new, and that walks encourage the development of these connections.…”

The diversity of befriending by, and of, older people

“…While relationships between befrienders and those who are befriended may evolve into friendship (Andrews et al, 2003;Lester et al, 2012), there is a risk that some of those who are befriended may see befriending as the same as friendship when this relationship may be neither desirable nor possible (Jamieson, 2008). In contrast, Ward et al (2012) argue against such strict distinctions and highlight the salience of the word 'friendship', suggesting that the focus needs to be on co-productive working and capturing the diffuse nature of support and resources that exist.…”

Social support group interventions in people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review of the literature

“…LaBarge et al, 1998 A qualitative study of social support groups for people with dementia exploring feelings and concerns discussed by group members 10 Marshall et al, 2005 Not an RCT, pre-/post-evaluation of social support groups for people with dementia, qualitative analysis of group sessions 11 Mason et al, 2005 Not an RCT, qualitative and observational data of social support groups for people with dementia 12 Oppikofer et al, 2002 Not an RCT, article in German, intervention incorporated scheduled visits only 13 Oppikofer et al, 2010 Not an RCT, article in German, intervention incorporated scheduled visits only 14 Pratt et al, 2005 Commentary on the development of a user-led model of a social support intervention for people with dementia 15 Roberts and Silverio, 2009 Not an RCT, pre-/post-evaluation of social support groups for people with dementia, no control comparison group 16 Snyder et al, 1995 Not an RCT, evaluative survey of social support groups for people with early dementia 17 Snyder et al, 2007 Not an RCT, evaluative survey of social support groups for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease 18 Sorensen et al, 2008 Qualitative study investigating the experiences of people with dementia participating in a counselling intervention 19 Villars, 2013 Ongoing trial, educational intervention of consultation incorporating knowledge of the disease and treatments 20 Wang and Chien, 2011 Social support group meetings primarily aimed at carers 21 Ward et al, 2012 Case studies of people with dementia taking part in a social support group intervention 22 Cappeliez et al, 1989 Clinical comments on social support group interventions for people with dementia 23 Yale, 1999 Qualitative review of research on social support group interventions for people with dementia 24 Yale and Kaplan, 2006 Commentary on delivery of social support groups for people with dementia 25 Zarit et al, 2004 Qualitative study investigating the experiences of people with dementia participating in a social support group intervention 26 McAfee et al, 1989 Not an RCT, pre-/post-evaluation of social support groups for people with dementia, no control comparison group 27 Yeh et al, 2001 Case vignettes of people with dementia taking part in a social support group intervention 28 Trabert, 1996 Case vignettes of people with dementia taking part in a social support group intervention RCT, randomised controlled trial; CBT, cognitive behavioural therapy; MCI, mild cognitive impairment.…”