PLAWD study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Economic burden, quality of life and health inequities in people living alone with dementia: A mixed methods study
IRAS ID
363747
Contact name
Miriam Lúcar Flores
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford, Reseach Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 19 days
Research summary
Although the number of people living alone with dementia (PLAWD) is growing, they remain underrepresented in research or care services. Some may not be included in studies due to a lack of caregiver support for their involvement. In everyday care, PLAWD are often missed because managing appointments or using services without help can be challenging. Others may avoid contact with care professionals if they fear their preference to live alone will not be respected.
The "Economic burden, quality of life, and health inequities in people living alone with dementia: A mixed methods study" (PLAWD study) will explore the differences in health and social care service use, related costs and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) between PLAWD and those diagnosed with dementia living with others. The study will also explore whether these differences vary by ethnicity. We will use a combination of questionnaires and interviews to collect the data needed to address the study objectives.
To carry out the PLAWD study, we will have different strategies. For baseline, we will draw on data from two studies: READ-OUT and DETERMIND. Both include people with cognitive problems or dementia. We will compare cases of PLAWD with those living with others in terms of quality of life, the types of health and social care they use and care-related costs. After six months, we will follow up with participants to track any changes.
Additionally, we will interview people with dementia from different ethnic groups who live alone to understand better what kind of care they receive, how much it costs and where the help they receive comes from. Also, we will explore how living alone and ethnicity may contribute to inequalities in health and social services.
Our findings will help inform policies and services to ensure better, fairer care for the PLAWD population.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
26/IEC08/0007
Date of REC Opinion
12 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion