Ambiguous gain: uncertain benefits of service use for dementia carers

Community services for carers of people with dementia can assist in relieving caregiver burden and delay the institutionalisation of the person with dementia. Under some conditions, however, engagement with dementia services may produce unintended negative consequences, resulting in increased confusion and a reduction of agency for carers. Drawing on an analysis of three salient aspects of caregiver identities, this paper examines specific instances and consequences of ‘ambiguous gain’, defined as ‘a putative or demonstrated benefit that, as an unintended outcome, results in increased uncertainty and a consequent reduction of agency or wellbeing at the level of individual or collective identity’. The paper concludes with a discussion of implications for policy and practice.