Evaluation

Liveability is a NHS nurse-led service providing instructor-led exercise classes and gym sessions in Liverpool. The service collaborated with a European research project Innovate Dementia to increased access to Liveability for people living with dementia and to evaluate the benefits for those taking part in the programme. The evaluation found that involvement in the exercise programme brought many benefits for individuals with dementia and their carers. Core themes are discussed in relation to enjoyment and recreation and improved fitness and cognition.

I describe the development of a group in North London that aimed to increase the involvement of carers in the development and monitoring of mental health services across the borough. I enabled the carers to evaluate their experiences of the group using a participatory action research model. The evaluation was divided into two phases. Phase 1 focused on how the carers developed effective processes to facilitate the individuals in the group to represent not only their experiences but those of the collective.

Traditionally, day care for elderly persons has been provided by health or social services; however, recently facilities have been developed by voluntary organizations. This study was conducted to examine the characteristics of elderly clients with mental health problems attending these various settings, and to identify any areas of unmet need.

A national study of patients with motor neurone disease (MND) and their carers was conducted in Scotland in late 1996. A questionnaire covering areas such as: use of medical, social and voluntary services; use of or waiting for specialised equipment; satisfaction with provided services; and standard demographic data was used in face-to-face interviews conducted by the four Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association care advisers. The care advisers also assessed the respondent’s level of impairment, using a standard instrument: the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Severity Scale (ALSSS).

Objectives: To understand how carers of dementia sufferers gain access to community support and to determine potential barriers for carers.

Design: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of carers after an Aged Care Assessment Team intervention.

Setting: Australian metropolitan Aged Care Assessment Team.

Subjects: 24 live-in carers of dementia sufferers.

Background There is no reliable and valid self-report measure of depressive symptoms for people with learning disabilities. Aims To develop a scale for individuals with learning disability, and a supplementary scale for carers. Method Items were generated from a range of assessment scales and through focus groups. A draft scale was piloted and field tested using matched groups of people with or without depression, and their carers.

Historically, there have been many attempts to develop interventions to support the carers of people with dementia. To date the evidence of effectiveness has been limited. However, the success of psychosocial interventions for carers of people with schizophrenia has suggested the possibility of utilizing this approach. A systematic review was undertaken to assess the evidence of effectiveness for psychosocial interventions with carers of people with dementia. Thirty controlled trials that evaluated a psychosocial approach were identified.

Although there is good evidence that interventions for carers of people with Alzheimer's disease can reduce stress, no systematic studies have investigated psychotherapeutic intervention for patients themselves. This may be important in the earlier stages of Alzheimer's disease, where insight is often preserved.

The aim was to assess, in a randomised controlled trial, whether psychotherapeutic intervention could benefit cognitive function, affective symptoms and global well-being.