Hawker

Practice example of a model developed to support carers in understanding and dealing with challenging behaviours. The Caregiver appraisal model is a prospective model of caregiver stress which has been developed by Northumberland County Behaviour Support Service. The model was developed from work with seven family caregivers over 12 months and provides a framework for managing their distress based on their appraisals of the situations confronting them. It is a cognitive behavioural model. The article describes how the model was developed, how it works and points of practice.

Family carers are a crucial resource in the care and support of people with dementia, but their motivations for caring can make the difference between success and failure. The author discusses his study of support workers' views on the way motivations can change and undermine carers' health.

The authors explains how a growing UK-wide network, tide-together in dementia everyday, is ensuring that the expertise of carers influence dementia policy, research and practice. The network, created by carers for carers, does not provide direct support to services to people affected by dementia, so it's members are able to give completely impartial and independent feedback based soley on their lived experiences as carers. (Edited publisher abstract)

Outlines some important messages from a major project, carried out by Dementia Voice, to consult people with dementia and carers about the services they receive. The consultations were part of a larger project, funded by Devon social services, to help care agencies in Devon to develop guidelines for intermediate care for people with dementia.

The authors review current research on provision of services to older people and their carers in remote and rural areas across the UK, with specific reference to Scotland. They consider the policy implications for dementia services in this context.

This article describes an innovative project for people with dementia and their carers at Glyndebourne Opera House. During November and December 2008 and 2009, the Glyndebourne education department provided a series of 4 sessions for people with dementia and their carers. The Glyndebourne project was jointly funded and developed through a partnership between Glyndebourne Festival Opera and the Lewes Villages Dementia Carers Outreach Service. Between 20 and 30 people with dementia and their carers took part in the project each year.

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.

Norwich: a ‘coffee morning’ initiative aimed to give people with dementia and carers the ordinary social opportunities they were missing. It has succeeded and also brought many further benefits, as Judith Farmer explains

Reports on a study which took place at a memory clinic in the south west of England to investigate the reasons why people with dementia and their carers do, and do not, stay physically active. The study also wanted to find out which activities would be acceptable and sustainable for people with dementia and their carers. Five people living with Alzhiemer's Disease and their five spouse carers were interviewed using semi-structured interviews.

This article explores the findings from a recent research project conducted by the Mental Health Foundation for the Alzheimer's Society. The project 'Out of the Shadows' draws out important messages for people with dementia and their carers about their preferences for care and support. The research involved a literature review, focus groups and one-to-one interviews. It investigated who they found out they had dementia, the assessment and diagnostic process, and how they coped after diagnosis.