Researchers to assess effectiveness of new support resources for dementia carers
An online training and support resource developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for family and friends supporting people living with dementia is to be assessed for use in the UK for the first time.
Entitled ‘A randomised controlled trial and feasibility study of the effects of an e-health intervention ‘iSupport’ for reducing distress of dementia carers, especially in the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19’, this new research project is led by Bangor University and funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR).
The majority of people living with dementia are supported and receive care from family members. According to the university, most people with dementia are cared for at home and the role can be very stressful, with many carers experiencing mental and physical illness as a consequence.
These ‘informal carers’ often have limited specialist knowledge of dementia and dementia care, let alone know how they can manage their own stress as carers. Covid-19 has meant that many community support services for people living with dementia have been cancelled, placing increasing pressures on carers.
‘iSupport’ is designed to help dementia carers provide good care and take care of themselves. Carers can use iSupport at their own pace. They can access whichever parts of iSupport they feel are most relevant to them from their place of choice using a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Professor Gill Windle, who is leading the international research team from the School of Health Sciences at Bangor University, explained: “Whenever new services or medical procedures are introduced, they need to be assessed to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness.
“NHS guidelines recommend that informal carers of people living with dementia such as family and friends should be offered training to help them develop care skills and manage their own physical and mental health.
“We believe that iSupport will provide a good solution. Before any introduction, we need to conduct a full evaluation of the costs and benefits, considering how effective the online course is in reducing distress, and what aspect of the course carers like.”
The research will be conducted by Bangor University, University College London and the University of Strathclyde, with The World Health Organisation, Carers Trust Wales, Alzheimer’s Scotland, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and with the help of 365 dementia carers from across Wales, England and Scotland.
Faaiza Bashir, Policy Research and Engagement Manager for Carers Trust Wales, added: “Unpaid carers provide vital practical and emotional support to thousands of people across Wales every single day. Without unpaid carers, the health and social care system would be unsustainable and even more people would be left unable to cope.
“The contribution unpaid carers make not only changes lives but saves the Welsh economy more than £8.1bn a year. Despite this, they often do not get the support they need or the recognition they deserve.
“Carers Trust Wales are delighted to collaborate with Bangor University to ensure that carers of people with dementia across the UK can gain skills and confidence as carers through this project and access to knowledge and tools to help them maintain their own health and well-being.”