Osteoporosis care for care home residents with/without memory problems

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Exploring the optimisation of osteoporosis care for individuals living with and without memory problems in care homes.

  • IRAS ID

    360923

  • Contact name

    Holly Dodsworth

  • Contact email

    h.dodsworth4688@student.leedsbeckett.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Leeds Beckett University

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 9 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Recent literature indicates that individuals with dementia, face an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. It is, therefore, highly likely that both dementia and osteoporosis frequently co-exist as long-term conditions among CH residents. Despite this, little research has focused on experiences of CH residents receiving and caregivers providing osteoporosis care to PLWD suggesting care could be improved in the UK.

    Aims:
    •To explore the experiences of, and care delivery to, CH residents with osteoporosis including residents with dementia, to identify and explore any differences in osteoporosis care for residents with dementia and any ways in which care could be improved.

    •To explore the barriers and facilitators to providing high-quality, person-centred osteoporosis care, including, for those with dementia, in CH’s and to identify possible strategies for mitigating these challenges.

    •To identify key areas and outcomes for future research interventions aimed at enhancing and improving person centred osteoporosis care in CHs with specific recommendations that address any unique needs for PLWD.

    DESIGN:
    An ethnographic study including observations, interviews and documentary analysis.

    Stage 1:
    Purposive sampling will be used to recruit an estimated 3-4 CHs. First, general observations and informal conversations of routine care patterns will take place for up to an estimated 2 weeks in each participating CH.

    Stage 2:
    Focused Ethnography (focused observations, informal conversations, interviews and documentary data collection) wherever possible will take place with an estimated 6–12 individuals living with osteoporosis, some of which will also have suspected / diagnosed comorbid dementia. 6–12 family members/supporters and 10–20 staff, from participating CHs.

    OUTPUTS:
    The study will produce recommendations for improving the care of people with osteoporosis and dementia in CHs, it will share findings through academic articles, lay summaries, conference presentations.

  • REC name

    Wales REC 6

  • REC reference

    26/WA/0009

  • Date of REC Opinion

    28 Jan 2026

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion