This work package develops a programme of research about older people, people with dementia and carers. Research themes  include:

• Carers
• Integrated care provision
• Care homes
• Support for practitioners, older people  and carers to engage in and with research.

Collaboration

Supporting life alongside caring is a Welsh Government priority for  carers. Work completed in collaboration with the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales to explore ‘Rethinking Respite’ for families affected by dementia

• Thinking and practice around respite needs to change, including the terminology used. Respite sometimes carries  negative connotations.
• The importance of engaging people with dementia and their carers and drawing on their knowledge and experiences to develop new models of care and support.

Further information: http://www.olderpeoplewales.com/en/Reviews/respite.aspx

Highlights

• New UK Research and Practice Development Group on meaningful short breaks for carers established.
• Work package lead appointed to Welsh Government Ministerial Advisory Group on Carers.
• New Masters by Research project funded to look at ways to improve integrated working between health and social care services.
• ENRICH Cymru Network launched to support the co-creation of research relevant to the care home sector.
• Work, in collaboration with the Welsh Government, exploring falls prevention in care homes to inform a pan-Wales best practice guide, sharing expertise on what works well to support residents to remain mobile and avoid falling.
• New Social Care Innovations Lab (#SCIL) to support older people, carers and practitioners to develop research ideas on issues that matter most to them. 
• Scoping Review commissioned to look at the impact of short breaks on carers

Please contact Diane Seddon: d.seddon@bangor.ac.uk if you want to know more about getting involved in our research.

For information on our past research please click here