Caretaking Partnerships Project

Many people are in family relationships based on caretaking, whether for a disabled spouse, partner, parent, or other family member.

In particular, in a marriage or romantic partnership, when one partner develops Alzheimer’s or dementia and experiences cognitive decline, the partnership undertakes an essential shift. The caretaking partner may feel the loss of the companion they once knew. Caretaking partners often experience so much stress and isolation that they pass away before their ill spouses. 

We support caretaking partners in finding ways to care for themselves, including support of those partners who engage in other romantic relationships as a way to care for themselves and continue to bring joy to their time with and care for their spouse.