Deutsches Zentrum für Altersfragen
A growing number of Germans suffers from dementia and lots of them need help, support and care, which -in most of the cases- is provided at home by family members or other close people. And oftenly, the care of people suffering from dementia is described as a burden and stressful and as being connected to the worsening of the physical and mental health of the carer.
This study based upon data from the German Ageing Survey shows who in the second half of life is caring, to what extent and the consequences for the wellbeing and stress perception of the carers. It compares people caring for people with dementia to persons caring for non-dement persons.
Kelle, N., & Ehrlich, U. (2023). Situation of people providing support and care to someone with dementia [DZA Aktuell 04/2022 – English version]. Berlin: German Centre of Gerontology.
Core statements:
In Germany, 3.5 per cent of people in the second half of life provided support or care to someone with dementia in 2020/2021. 14 per cent of people in the second half of life provided support and care to someone without dementia.
People spend a similar amount of time caring for someone with dementia as for someone without dementia.
Carers of people with dementia feel higher levels of burden than carers of people without dementia.