Hannah has spent her career working within the chronic health space and recently transitioned into private practice, founding Next Door Counselling after recognising the growing number of seniors experiencing isolation, disconnection and depression. Through her work in dementia care, she observed a consistent and often overlooked experience: women caring for husbands with cognitive decline who feel profoundly lost in their own identity, direction and future.

Dementia removes certainty not only for the person diagnosed but also for the carer. Women represent approximately 72 to 78% of primary carers for people living with dementia and many navigate this role in isolation. Hannah’s work highlights the lived reality of these women, balancing caregiving, employment, financial stress and family responsibilities while grieving the gradual loss of their partner long before diagnosis.

This presentation explores the concept of ambiguous loss, a form of grief without closure, where the person is physically present but psychologically changed. For many carers, this experience spans years, often beginning before diagnosis and continuing throughout the progression of dementia. Women frequently report feeling unseen, unheard and unsupported, particularly when early concerns are dismissed or when financial and housing insecurity complicate care decisions.

Drawing on clinical experience, this session will examine how ambiguous loss impacts identity, mental health and wellbeing. It will also explore practical ways to support women in reclaiming a sense of self while navigating ongoing uncertainty. The presentation aims to increase awareness, validate lived experience and encourage compassionate, identity focused support for women living within the “long goodbye.”