Supporting Individuals and Families Impacted by Dementia in Counseling: Case Report

As more than 6 million people in the United States are living with dementia, it is important to foster and train counselors who are specialized in dementia. This case report explores the process and benefits of counseling when individuals and families are impacted by dementia. By understanding multiple changes in the individual and the family system, a counselor can provide guidance and resources to navigate and adapt changes during the disease process. Based on family systems therapy, a counselor can assist the family by facilitating family involvement and communication. It is critical for a counselor to help the family members in understanding how each one may be in a differing stage of acceptance regarding the diagnosis and loss. In addition, dementia-specific counseling should entail psychoeducation of the disease as well as existing community-based resources that are designed to support community-dwelling people living with dementia.