For World Alzheimer’s Day, we want to recognise those with Alzheimer’s who are impacted by domestic abuse. Alzheimer’s can create a number of unique and additional barriers for someone trying to access the support available to them, particularly as Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.

At IDAS, we have specialist IDVAs (Independent Domestic Abuse Advisors) who have provided information to discuss what someone impacted by domestic abuse may face if they are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and what can be done to ensure they receive the best possible support and access to safety.

We hope this blog is helpful and reassuring, while also raising awareness of the experiences of those impacted by domestic abuse and Alzheimer’s or dementia. This blog may also be helpful for people who have a family member or loved one who has dementia and is impacted by domestic abuse.

What are the unique barriers to support?

Everyone’s experience of domestic abuse is unique, but there can be specific barriers that survivors from different groups may face. For people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, these can often involve communication and comprehension difficulties and reduced ability to understand that abuse is taking place. If the survivor does recognise the abuse, they may face additional barriers to reporting, such as being unable to complete a referral form, being unable to access professionals such as their GP or carry out research online to find an organisation that can support them.

If the person impacted has a carer, or if the perpetrator is their carer, this could prevent the survivor from accessing support due to fear of losing that support and having their life altered dramatically because they may lose one of the few people they recognise.

Perpetrators may use a person’s Alzheimer’s or dementia to manipulate them into not accessing support. This could be through gaslighting, cutting off routes to support, or creating distrust of support services.

Not all professionals will understand the intricacies that come with supporting a person who has Alzheimer’s or dementia and is impacted by domestic abuse. Without the right support and advocacy, a survivor may find it difficult to leave an abusive situation.

The importance of communication between professionals

Effective, thorough communication between professionals is key when supporting a victim of domestic abuse who also has dementia. Supporting a person with dementia can create a different dynamic between them and the professional supporting them. This dynamic can also change as the person’s condition impacts their memory and cognition. Understanding who their ‘safe people’ are is key to ensuring their wellbeing, building trust and avoiding distress.

An IDVA can liaise with other professionals to ensure that the person’s usual support is maintained. This includes communicating specific considerations and an understanding of how domestic abuse may impact the person’s wellbeing. Other support professionals can provide includes working alongside an IDVA to ensure that information is communicated to the person in a safe, clear and digestible way that is specific to their needs.

IDVAs can also provide institutional advocacy for the survivor, working with other professionals, such as those in Adult Social Care or GPs, to communicate the additional support that they may need and provide safety planning. IDVA’s can also work to complete referrals to other charities such as Age UK.

Adult Family Violence

Those impacted by adult family violence can often be older people, with the perpetrator potentially being an adult family member. Adult family violence itself has a number of unique barriers to accessing support. When combined with dementia, this can further isolate the person impacted, making routes to safety and support more difficult to access.

Adult family violence can manifest in a number of ways. This could include physical abuse, controlling and coercive behaviour, financial exploitation and social isolation. Some cases may also involve perpetrators withholding or restricting access to relevant medical support.

If the person impacted has dementia, adult family violence can sometimes be difficult for them to recognise or communicate. This may be because a person with dementia can rely heavily on familiar family members and may not fully process or understand that what is happening to them is abuse. A perpetrator of adult family violence might also use this vulnerability to manipulate the survivor and create distrust towards professionals who are trying to support them.

Why specialist support matters

Having dementia can increase the vulnerability of the person impacted, having specialist support empowers the survivor to be able to access relevant support whilst being advocated for across a number of institutions. At IDAS, we work to support others to understand the barriers that a survivor may have, how everyone can work together to support the survivor and ensure their wellbeing is at the centre of every conversation.

How can you support someone impacted by domestic abuse who has Alzheimer’s/dementia

If you are worried about someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia and is impacted by domestic abuse, contacting a domestic abuse service can be an important first step towards understanding what may be happening in their life and how you can provide support.

Ensuring that the professionals working with the person impacted understand their needs and prioritise their wellbeing is also important in ensuring that they receive the appropriate support.

If you have any questions about domestic abuse and Alzheimer’s please contact us info@idas.org.uk