University researchers seek feedback from older carers of people with dementia

As our population ages and older people form a greater proportion of the population than ever before, dementia rates in the UK are set to increase dramatically.  Our health and social care services will need to adapt to face this new pressure.

People aged 65 and over who have experience of looking after somebody with dementia can contribute towards research currently being carried out by academics at Bangor University.  Health economists there are investigating the economic demands of caring for people with dementia. The results of their research will contribute towards shaping health and social care policies across the UK.

All people responding to the survey by 31/12/11 will be entered into a prize draw to win a £250 Marks and Spencer voucher.

Professor Rhiannon Tudor Edwards and colleagues are carrying out the short survey as part of a project that aims to assess the use of a new quality of life measure for use in economic evaluations.

She said: “This survey will help healthcare professionals improve understanding of what affects quality of life for friends and family carers of people with dementia. Many current measures focus on physical issues, underestimating the effects on carer well-being and leading to underfunding of programmes designed to support carers. We are investigating a measure which has been designed to capture effects on broader well-being, such as companionship and independence.”

“The survey is being conducted across the UK, and we hope as many people as possible will take part.”

People aged 65 and over, who area a friend or family member of somebody with dementia are invited to take part in the survey to share their views and experiences of caring. Access to the survey is via http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Carersurvey, further information or postal copies are available from Carys Jones on 01248 382483.

Publication date: 15 December 2011