This is a critical point in Jean and Harry's lives. Consistency and continuity of family support networks are important beneficial factors in reducing carer burden. Distancing and loss of family support and the presence of social conflict are important predictors of burden. (Harvey, 1998) The continuity of social support networks may have been undermined by retirement, the move to the Lake District and Jean's recent unwillingness to socialise.

Advice about coping, especially from other carers, can be particularly beneficial in supporting informal care arrangements. Harvey (1998) found that carers using escape and avoidance strategies, anger and denial coped less well than those actively seeking information, social support and problem focused support. Internet and email support would enable Harry and Jean to access a wide range of materials that could be helpful.

Jean's deteriorating cognitive skills are problematic for her but they may also cause stress for Harry at this stage. But the relationship between cognitive impairment and caregiver burden is not straightforward. A non-linear relationship between cognitive deterioration and carer burden has been suggested with the greatest burden at the point of seeking outside help and a reducing burden following this point. As the primary carer Harry is likely to be most distressed by what he perceives to be rapid changes in Jean's condition. (Harvey, 1998) Effective and efficient support is essential at this early stage to help Jean and Harry cope as well as possible. Jean still retains a reasonable degree of independence although her memory problems have made her less willing to socialise. Jean's condition is still in the early stages of Alzheimer's and residential care at this point would be inappropriate. The additional support available from assistive technologies and telematics could be important in underpinning a stable care arrangement. An additional and important benefit of using assistive technologies is the control that they allow people with dementia and their carers to retain over many aspects of their lives.

Jean might benefit from using computer based memory and language software to help her find ways of coping with her deteriorating memory. (Petheram, 1998) An electronic diary or scheduler may be valuable to helping remind her about day to day appointments and events. Access to information on memory loss and Alzheimer's support via the Internet will help broaden her social and cognitive world. Jean may feel more comfortable communicating by email with friends and relatives when she can take time and be helped to read and write messages.

Meeting Harry's needs is likely to become more important in the near future as he begins to take a more critical role in Jean's care. He will need support from other carers and advice about technical aspects of care. Much of this can be made available via the Internet. (CANDID, 1998) The advantage over verbal advice is that it can be stored and reviewed when necessary. The range of information is more varied and easier to search than traditional leaflets. The Internet and email can be accessed at any time of the day or night and email support groups are not constrained by travelling time or costs. Video conferencing could also be used to provide access to carer support meetings.