ABSTRACT
The issues surrounding carer experience and stress in dementia care appear to be well recognised within research literature, with WHO identifying carer support and education as a key priority in their Action Plan for Dementia (WHO 2016). However, some literature continues to focus on the negative aspects of family care giving, with less attention being given to perceived positive experiences. This chapter looks at dementia care giving within families from both positive and negative perspectives; it examines carer profile and motives and how these may influence levels of carer burden and stress. This chapter has a particular focus on current strategic drivers and the influence that they may have on clinical practice and outcomes for people with dementia and their carers. This critical discussion examines current literature and is based on both carer and clinical experience.
