In modern society, dementia is considered an immense challenge in every aspect. Long-term care for the elderly is a specific test that, in case of illness, requires a strong support system in order to guarantee a stay of a certain quality and duration at home and in institutional care as well. Nonetheless, the number of people suffering from dementia is persistently increasing in Slovenia, family members of the people with dementia are still facing challenges. The theoretical part of the thesis contains a definition of dementia, a presentation of different models of understanding dementia, and notions on ageing, stigma, and medicalization of dementia. The theoretical part is followed by the analysis of six in-depth interviews. The results of the analysis are further discussed and answers to hypotheses are given in continuation. The purpose of the present thesis is to present relevant sociological aspects of dementia as an illness that does not affect only the person with dementia but also family members and/or relatives. Consequently the thesis places emphasis on determining which hardships and difficulties family members and/or relatives undergo for taking care of the person with dementia, on how dementia inflicts on their lives, and on the type of support the state provides to people with dementia and their family members, touching upon the public policies as well.
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