Professionals’ prerequisites and preparedness for supporting young people living with a parent with dementia

Children and young adults with a parent with dementia often take an active part in supporting their parent and risk experiencing negative consequences, such as fear and sorrow, decreased ability to take part in leisure and social activities, deteriorating school results, and missing out on educational and job opportunities. The aim of the present study was to describe key prerequisites for health and social care professionals providing support to this group from the professionals’ perspective. Thirteen health and social care professionals with experience of providing support to children and young adults (up to 24 years old) with a parent with dementia were interviewed and the data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. The findings describe prerequisites for providing support in the areas of educational, professional and personal experience; leadership, organisation, and collaboration; and society’s perspective, resources, and regulations. An overarching theme, layers of preparedness illustrates that the described prerequisites were associated with a feeling of preparedness for providing support. Efforts are needed to raise societal and professional awareness and knowledge about children and young adults with a parent with dementia and to improve legislation, policy, and services as being crucial prerequisites for the provision of adequate support.