Middle-Aged Men Feel Less Prepared to Care for Loved Ones with Dementia, New Survey Finds

New research from Nationwide and Dementia UK shows that middle-aged men feel significantly less prepared than younger men when it comes to looking after someone with dementia. The survey of 2,000 men without current caring responsibilities aimed to understand how comfortable men feel accessing support and the challenges they face.

The findings reveal a stark generational divide:

• Preparedness to care: 60% of men aged 18–34 feel ready to care for someone with dementia, compared with just 32% of men aged 45–54 and 30% of men aged 55 and over.
• Comfort with caring: 69% of younger men feel comfortable taking on the role, dropping to 44% among men 45–54 and 37% among those 55 and older.
• Willingness to talk about concerns: Only 12% of men aged 45–54 and 11% of men over 55 feel uncomfortable talking about caring, compared to 5% of younger men.

Despite the challenges, men are less likely to reach out for support. Reasons cited include:

• Not being used to talking about feelings (40%)
• Not wanting to burden others (30%)
• Preferring to keep emotions private (30%)
• Feeling embarrassed (27%)
• Unsure who to turn to (26%)
• Concern that others might think they are not coping (26%)

Men also worry about the impact of caring responsibilities on their mental health (51%), physical health (44%), living arrangements (43%), legal responsibilities and healthcare decisions (40%), and finances (39%).

Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, who operate free clinics in over 200 Nationwide branches, have helped more than 34,000 people through this partnership. Clinics are open to anyone affected by dementia, including families, carers, and non-Nationwide customers.

Steven Bozic, Clinics Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, highlighted the unique challenges middle-aged men face, particularly those balancing childcare, work, and caring for older or ill relatives, a situation known as “sandwich care.” He urged carers to seek support, noting the importance of looking after their own health and wellbeing.

Charlotte Kensett, Director of Social Impact and Customer Experience at Nationwide, added: “We want to make sure no one faces dementia alone. Anyone affected by dementia can speak to a specialist Admiral Nurse at a branch or via the Dementia UK helpline on 0800 888 6678.”

Key Takeaways:

• Men over 45 feel less prepared and comfortable than younger men to care for people with dementia.
• Stigma, embarrassment, and uncertainty about support prevent men from reaching out.
• Nationwide and Dementia UK provide free support through clinics and helplines to help carers manage the challenges of dementia care.