“Till death do us part” an investigation into the lived experience of the transition to becoming an unpaid carer when a partner is diagnosed with dementia

This PhD studentship (funded by public health in North Northamptonshire Council as part of the Orchard Project) forms part of a unique community-based partnership project between a regional UK (North Northants) County Council and the University of Northampton’s (UK) Dementia Research and Innovation Centre.

A poster of the project will be presented.

The overall aim of the Orchard Project is to assist an existing local community centre to enhance and develop its dementia friendly status. The centre’s ambition is to provide earlier supportive interventions to people who are either pre-diagnostic or immediately post-diagnosis. Families affected by a dementia diagnosis are oftens exhausted and overwhelmed, lacking the required knowledge and energy to source appropriate help, advice and education. Frequently the greatest burden falls to a partner who may also be dealing with their own health concerns.

This qualitative study aims to explore the impact of a dementia diagnosis upon couples by examining the experience of people transitioning into an unpaid carer role for their partner.

A descriptive phenomenological approach will capture the lived experiences of carers in their own words to build a better understanding of unpaid carer needs and perspectives during this critical life event. The findings will provide evidence towards the creation of appropriate material as part of a 12-month programme of events and activities being delivered by the broader Orchard Project.

Linking with the ambition of Integrated Care Northamptonshire to raise awareness of and reduce stigma related to mild cognitive impairment and dementia, the insight from this study will inform future services, support and education for unpaid dementia carers and towards the maintenance of positive health and wellbeing.