“What made you choose blue?” On becoming more “awkward”

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the personal experience of dealing with the progressive dementia of a close family member.

Design/methodology/approach

Selected journal/diary entries over a ten-year period. Edited and anonymised.

Findings

Even informed professionals with knowledge into the health and care system can struggle with the challenges of the progressive dementia of a loved one and managing the system.

Research limitations/implications

One shot case study influenced by the moral and emotional proximity.

Practical implications

Case studies can offer a range of diverse, if not unique, examples of the specific needs and problems faced by families that carers should take note of.

Originality/value

All case studies are unique. But narrative accounts, even if episodic, can bring home-specific illustrations of good, best and problematic practices.

Citation

Iphofen, R. (2014), "“What made you choose blue?” On becoming more “awkward”", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 3-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAOA-09-2013-0025