Life Story Work in Dementia Care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
IMPROVING CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA: DEVELOPMENT AND INITIAL FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR EVALUATION OF LIFE STORY WORK IN DEMENTIA CARE
IRAS ID
137197
Contact name
Kate Gridley
Contact email
Research summary
The aim of this study is to carry out the development and initial feasibility stages of an evaluation of life story work for
people with dementia. Life story work is an approach where people with dementia (usually with support) record key
aspects of their past and present lives, as well as future hopes and wishes, and the records they produce are used to
make connections and improve care. It is growing in popularity but there have been no largescale,
rigorous studies of
its use. The study objectives are to: develop a theoretical model of life story work (including its potential outcomes and
elements of good practice) using data collected through focus groups and a systematic review; benchmark the current
use of life story work via a national survey of carers and care providers; scope the potential effects and costs of using
life story work in specialist inpatient and longterm
care settings and explore the feasibility of conducting a larger scale
evaluation through two small scale feasibility studies. This is a partnership project and the involvement of people with
dementia and those close to them will be central to its success. A network of people with dementia and (family) carer
advisers is feeding into the project on an ongoing basis, ensuring research materials and strategies are fully inclusive
and that the research team’s interpretations are put into context. Findings will be disseminated via a number of routes
including a short film, designed and produced with the help of the people with dementia and the family carers who took
part as advisers. This application for is for the 3rd stage of the study exploring the feasibility of conducting a larger
scale evaluation of life story work.REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
13/IEC08/0046
Date of REC Opinion
11 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion