A family affair: repeated interviews with people with dementia and a euthanasia wish and their families

This study examines the reasons of people with dementia request euthanasia and how these
reasons change over time with a special focus on reasons related to family. In addition, it
examines how family relates to their loved one’s euthanasia wish. Seven people with dementia
and a euthanasia wish in the Netherlands were interviewed, and three years later, two of
them and five family members were interviewed again. Four themes were identified using
thematic analyses: (1) Protecting the relationship from the impact of dementia; (2) Private
domain as the primary setting to discuss euthanasia; (3) Implicit expectation to respect and
agree with the euthanasia wish; (4) Experienced responsibilities of family regarding the
euthanasia wish. Professionals should be aware of the position of family and the
interrelatedness of the person’s concern for family happiness and families’ moral commitment
to agree and support the wish.