Dementia survey asks: How ready are we to care?
Caring for people with dementia is mainly done by family members, yet how many feel obliged, rather than willing, to do so? This is the question being posed by researchers from the University of Bradford, as part of a nationwide survey to understand what kind of support would best ease the burden for dementia carers.
The survey is part of the , which is funded by the Alzheimer’s Society. The project is assessing family obligation, willingness to care and level of preparedness amongst current and future carers.
Improving training for carers
The aim is to improve training for healthcare professionals and ensure the right support services are in place. The first phase of the research, which surveyed over 600 people caring for a relative with dementia, found that even amongst those already carrying out the role, many didn’t feel prepared for all it entailed. The research will aid the development of support packages for family carers to help them feel ready for the different stages of dementia.