Dementia can last many years and for a considerable amount of those years the person with dementia often is not the same person they were previously. Does this situation change things for couples?
I am really interested to hear your thoughts on this topic and see what the general opinion is on the matter. I have seen first hand how the ‘couple dynamic’ changes when someone goes into a nursing home.
There are many different angles to discuss this topic from and am hoping we can have a mature and sensitive discussion about the costs and benefits of dating another person.
This very situation would be occurring all the time around Australia, hence I feel this is a really important topic that needs to be discussed and ‘Dementia Downunder’ is an ideal safe and respectable forum to do so/
Some discussion points are:
• What if the person with dementia gives a green light to go ahead?
• Should the person who is dating feel guilty if the person with dementia forgets everything about their partner?
• What are the benefits of seeking new friendships and relationships?
• Should we judge those that are lonely and seeking love and affection?
• When the person declines so much that they are a different person, is it now ok to look outside the relationship for companionship or intimacy?
*Please read the two articles below to gain insight and a balanced viewpoint on this topic and then feel free to comment below with any feedback or thoughts you may have.
http://www.nextavenue.org/should-you-have-affair-when-your…/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/contemplating-divorce/201011/dating-someone-while-married-spouse-alzheimer-s-disease/
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn