Assistance Dogs for People with Younger (Early)-Onset Dementia: The Family Carer’s Experience

SIMPLE SUMMARY: There is growing evidence for the efficacy of trained assistance dogs to enhance the health and wellbeing of people in a variety of circumstances, including those with dementia. However, little is understood about the effect of assistance dogs on the wellbeing of family members providing care to those with dementia. Our study included interviews conducted with family carers over a period of up to two years. We found that in addition to the positive effects on those with younger-onset dementia (YOD), family carers also reported many benefits to the wider family and their own wellbeing. In many instances, these benefits persisted after the family member with dementia needed to go into out-of-home care. However, to establish and sustain these arrangements and ensure the wellbeing of both family members and the dogs, attention needs to be given to the family’s living arrangements and the resources (including financial) available to families. ABSTRACT: There is growing evidence for trained assistance dogs promoting the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of people in a variety of circumstances, including for those with dementia. Little is known about people with younger (early)-onset dementia (YOD) and family carers. As part of a larger study involving 14 people with YOD matched with trained assistance dogs over a two-year period, we report analyses of interviews with 10 family carers conducted on multiple occasions investigating their experience with an assistance dog. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and subjected to inductive thematic analysis. They told a range of experiences; the good and the challenging. Findings fell into three areas: the human–animal bond; relationship dynamics; and responsibility for caring. Concerns were raised with respect to the resources required of carers together with the financial resources needed to support an assistance dog. The study concludes that trained assistance dogs can play an important role promoting the health and wellbeing of both people with YOD and of their family carers. However, support needs to be in place as the circumstances of the family member with YOD changes and the role of the assistance dog as part of the family also changes. Practical (financial) support of a scheme such as the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) could be important to sustaining such support.