DemECH
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Supporting people living with dementia in Extra Care Housing
IRAS ID
303475
Contact name
Teresa Atkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Worcester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
This project will explore how Extra Care Housing (ECH) can help people to live well with dementia. ECH aims to support people to live in self-contained accommodation, with access to 24-hour care that is flexible and adapts to changing needs. Schemes often also include access to communal amenities. The delivery of care is independent from the resident’s lease or tenancy.
Over a fifth of those living in ECH have dementia, yet little is known about what works well and for whom. This project will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of different models of ECH for people living with dementia.
The project will last for 18 months. We will identify nine ECH case study sites. Data will be collected in order to build a descriptive profile of each site, in order to understand who lives in ECH and how are they supported to live well. At each site, we will also talk to residents with and without dementia, staff, and adult social care professionals. There will be an opportunity for residents to produce audio-visual data. This will help understand the benefits and challenges of different models of ECH.
Dissemination of findings will be supported by three online focus groups with ECH dementia leads, ECH care providers, and adult social care commissioners. These will ensure the creation of Key Insight booklets will provide meaningful guidance about ECH for professionals and people living with dementia.
The project will be informed throughout by the Advisory Group, which includes people living with dementia. This will ensure the project is rooted in the perspectives of all stakeholders.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/WM/0232
Date of REC Opinion
6 Dec 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion