Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – Dementia can manifest in a variety of ways, but some common symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty with language and communication, problems with perception and judgement, mood swings, and behavioral changes. The symptoms can gradually worsen over time and affect a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks, such as personal hygiene, cooking, and managing finances.
A study examining how the fast digitalization since the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the financial management for individuals with dementia and their carers was published recently in the journal Dementia.
University of Liverpool researchers surveyed individuals with dementia and unpaid carers residing in the UK.
Dr Clarissa Giebel, Senior Research Fellow as well as a Older Adult Subtheme Lead ARC NWC, says “People with dementia are facing increased digitalisation when managing their finances – from paying with a debit card in shops to direct debits and managing money online. Research into how people with dementia experience this growing digital interface is limited, so our qualitative study aimed to explore how the pandemic has affected finance management skills in dementia and its impact on unpaid carers.”
The research indicated that managing finances was both simplified and at the same time further complicated by digitalizing the way money is spent and managed. After conducting interviews with study participants, recommendations were made.
The providing of support to relatives with various finance management tasks has had a negative impact on many unpaid carers was also a part of the study. The financial impact on unpaid carers in the UK has also been the focus of many other studies for both disabled and elderly with conditions other than dementia with recent financial constraints as a result of the pandemic. As this became a significant additional caring task together with meal preparation, joining the person away from home, and personal care. Even though certain support was available to most carers, particularly via Admiral Nurses and some dementia charities, no or low levels of support with making on financial management tasks was provided by banks, utility companies or any other statutory organizations according to the study.
