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Ambiguous gain: uncertain benefits of service use for dementia carers
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 06:23 authored by Lloyd, BT, Christine StirlingChristine StirlingCommunity services for carers of people with dementia can assist in relieving caregiver burden and delay the institutionalisation of the person with dementia. Under some conditions, however, engagement with dementia services may produce unintended negative consequences, resulting in increased confusion and a reduction of agency for carers. Drawing on an analysis of three salient aspects of caregiver identities, this paper examines specific instances and consequences of ‘ambiguous gain’, defined as ‘a putative or demonstrated benefit that, as an unintended outcome, results in increased uncertainty and a consequent reduction of agency or wellbeing at the level of individual or collective identity’. The paper concludes with a discussion of implications for policy and practice.
History
Publication title
Sociology of Health and Illness: A Journal of Medical SociologyVolume
33Issue
6Pagination
899-913ISSN
0141-9889Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Blackwell Publ LtdPlace of publication
108 Cowley Rd, Oxford, England, Oxon, Ox4 1JfRights statement
The definitive published version is available online at: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/Repository Status
- Restricted