Together in later life: how extra care housing can support couples affected by dementia

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present insights into how extra care housing (ECH) can support couples, where at least one partner is living with dementia. ECH is a model of housing with flexible care and support that supports older people to live independently. Couples are enabled to continue to live together in a self-contained flat or apartment with additional support for either or both parties as required. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports on findings from a large study of living with dementia in ECH (DemECH) that involved qualitative interviews with ECH residents affected by dementia, ECH staff and adult social care professionals were conducted across eight ECH schemes in England. Findings Data offer insight into how ECH can support couples might navigate their relationship, maintain a sense of togetherness and adapt to the challenges posed by changing care and support needs and cognitive decline. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study are based on a small sample with limited diversity, which is not claimed to be representative. Participants were identified by gatekeepers at each research site, which may have presented some selection bias. Originality/value This paper provides novel insights into the living experiences of couples residing in ECH where at least one partner is living with dementia. Couples’ experiences in ECH have been little considered in research thus far.