ABSTRACT
A study of a number of European countries shows that the ‘social’ pro fessions find themselves responsible for caring.1 However, the person with dementia also has a set of ‘medical’ needs stemming from their ill ness, and it is important that generic support staff are aware of these and have support from professionals to identify them. Moreover, helpers often have to cope with the bad temper, depression, loss of will and dementia of someone who cannot take (or express) decisions any more, even though they fully remain a person with their own past history and life history. Again, professional back-up is crucial.
