Supporting carer involvement in managing dementia comorbidities
Around 20,500 people in Staffordshire are expected to have dementia by 2030 (Staffordshire County Council). People living with dementia have a high rate of other long-term conditions, and this is associated with faster decline, poor outcomes and high service use. Informal family carers are integral to the care team but their involvement is not embedded into existing care systems.
Our study aims to explore how family carers can be better involved and supported in decision making, healthcare advice and seeking help for people living with dementia and other long-term conditions. This study is funded by the North Staffordshire Medical Institute and University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust Charity fund.
Over 2026-27, we will be speaking to healthcare professionals, people living with dementia and family carers/supporters from Staffordshire to hear their perspectives on this topic. In early 2027 we will be hosting a large meeting to discuss the findings and to agree priorities for the future.
Please check this page for study updates.
May 2026
We are currently recruiting healthcare professionals working in Staffordshire to a series of focus groups to discuss their perspectives. Eligible roles include GPs, nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapist, physiotherapists, mental health practitioners, community teams and dementia specialist nurses.
The Participant Information Sheet for this study can be found here.
If you are interested in taking part in a focus group, please contact the lead researcher using the details below:
Dr Angela Clifford a.clifford@keele.ac.uk
