New research from Nationwide and Dementia UK reveals how middle-aged men feel much less prepared than younger generations about the prosect of looking after someone with dementia, as many juggle family life, work and ageing parents.
The survey of 2,000 men without current caring responsibilities was conducted to better understand how comfortable men feel accessing support and the challenges they face. It comes as figures reveal that just one in four (25%) of Dementia UK’s clinic appointments are booked by men, with three quarters (75%) booked by women - a pattern mirrored on the charity’s helpline.
Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, run clinics from over 200 Nationwide branches across the country, offering support to anyone affected by dementia—including families, carers, and non-Nationwide customers. These free clinics have already helped more than 34,000 people through the partnership, which forms part of Nationwide’s social impact strategy, Fairer Futures.
The poll shows that 60 per cent of men aged 18-34 say they are prepared to look after someone with dementia. However, this drops to less than a third (32%) of men aged 45-54 and just 30 per cent of men aged 55 and over – life-stages where many are juggling family life, work and ageing parents. Dementia UK point to the prospect of ‘sandwich care’ - caring for someone older, disabled or ill while looking after children - can be “challenging and tiring”.
Likewise, while 69 per cent of men aged 18-34 would feel comfortable caring for someone with dementia, this reduces considerably across generations, with 44 per cent of men aged 45-54 saying they would feel comfortable, and just over a third (37%) of those aged 55 and above.
And when it comes to the prospect of talking about caring for someone with dementia, such as about their concerns and feelings, men aged 45-54 are over twice as likely (12%) to feel uncomfortable compared to those aged 18–34 (5%). Eleven per cent of men aged over 55 would be uncomfortable.
Why aren’t more men reaching out?
Among men surveyed who feel uncomfortable seeking support, the most common reasons are:
- Not being used to talking about feelings: 40%
- Not wanting to burden others: 30%
- Preferring to keep emotions private: 30%
- Feeling embarrassed: 27%
- Unsure who to turn to: 26%
- Worrying people might think they’re not coping: 26%
The top five worries men have about becoming a carer:
- Impact on mental health: 51%
- Impact on physical health: 44%
- Changes to living arrangements: 43%
- Legal responsibilities and healthcare decisions: 40%
- Financial strain: 39%
Steven Bozic, Clinics Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK: “Our clinic programme, in partnership with Nationwide Building Society, has enabled us to reach thousands of people across the country who need the support of a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, but we know many struggle to reach out to access this vital support, particularly men where stigma and fear of judgement is prevalent.
“People in middle age are more likely to face challenges around taking on a caring role for someone with dementia as they have additional responsibilities such as young children or financial pressures such as a mortgage. Caring for someone who is older, living with a disability or is ill while looking after your children is known as 'sandwich care.' Balancing dual care roles can be challenging and tiring.
“We urge anyone impacted by dementia to find out about the support available to them. Caring for someone living with dementia can be exhausting, so it’s important to lean on support networks and to look after your health and wellbeing. No one should have to face dementia alone.”
Charlotte Kensett, Director of Social Impact and Customer Experience for Nationwide, said: “At Nationwide, we want to make sure no one faces dementia alone. We’re encouraging anyone affected by dementia, whether you’re worried about a loved one or stepping into a caring role yourself to reach out for support. You can speak to a specialist Admiral Nurse in one of our branches hosting clinics or on the Dementia UK helpline – 0800 888 6678.”
Nationwide and Dementia UK are encouraging families to seek support this December, as Christmas is often when subtle signs of dementia become more noticeable during time spent with loved ones.
