Learning about who the patient was prior to dementia. Education about the disease. Mediation and advocacy for management, appropriate recourse referral and planning issues. Patient in early to mid stages may benefit from individual supportive therapy. Concerns, fears about memory loss, or being a burden to family.
Therapy enhances integrity and emotional well-being.
Sorting out developmental issues in context of years of marriage versus caregiving issues. Roles and Role Reversals. Assessing possibility of neglect and abuse. If caregiver was abused physically or emotionally by affected spouse, may impact caretaking responsibilities. If affected spouse was abused may be more difficult to know.