RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Family Interventions iN Dementia Mental Health Environments

This research project, called 'Family Interventions iN Dementia Mental Health Environments,' wants to understand and improve support for family carers when a loved one with dementia is in a mental health ward. Currently, there's not enough known about their experiences or how best to help them. The study will look at how these wards operate and how families are involved. Researchers will talk to ward managers and families, visit wards, and observe practices to gather information. The main goal is to use this knowledge to develop and share new, practical ways for mental health wards to work more closely with families, ensuring they feel supported and included in the care of their loved ones across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of West London

Enrolment target

343

Start

29 May 2025

Estimated completion

31 May 2027

Carers Dementia

What is this study about?

This study is about making things better for families and friends who care for someone with dementia and who needs to stay in a mental health ward. These wards look after people with dementia who are very unwell, sometimes because of severe behaviour changes or mental health difficulties. Often, these stays can be difficult and stressful for families.

We know that family members play a huge role in caring for their loved ones. When someone with dementia is in a mental health ward, their family can offer valuable support, helping staff understand their loved one's needs and making sure they get the best possible care. However, families often tell us they feel left out or that their concerns aren't heard, which can be very upsetting for them. There isn't much research out there about how to best support families in these specific situations.

This study wants to change that. Researchers will visit mental health wards across the country, speak to ward staff, and most importantly, talk to families who have experienced this. They'll ask about their experiences, what challenges they face, and what kind of support would be most helpful. All this information will be used to create new, practical ways for wards to work better with families. The aim is to improve the experiences for both people with dementia and their families, ensuring families feel valued and involved in their loved one's care.

Key takeaways

Helps improve support for families of people with dementia in mental health wards.
Aims to understand family experiences and needs when a loved one is in a mental health ward.
Will use interviews and surveys to gather information.
Focuses on creating practical strategies for better family involvement.
Hopes to make care for people with dementia and their families across the UK better.

Who may be eligible?

The study is looking for different groups of people to take part. Firstly, they want to hear from ward managers who run mental health wards that care for people with dementia, both in the NHS and private hospitals. If a ward doesn't care for people with dementia, then its manager won't be suitable for this part of the study.

Secondly, the study wants to talk to family members or friends who are currently caring for someone with dementia in a mental health ward. You need to be at least 18 years old and able to understand and agree to take part. If you're willing to have three interviews over a year, you might be a good fit. However, if there's an ongoing safeguarding investigation involving you, you won't be able to participate at this time.

Finally, the study is also interested in speaking with family members or friends who cared for someone with dementia who has left a mental health ward within the last three years. Again, you need to be over 18 and able to give your consent to be interviewed. There is also a possibility for people living with dementia themselves to be interviewed if they are able to give consent and are willing to take part alongside their carer.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a manager of a mental health ward that cares for people with dementia?
Are you a family member or friend caring for someone with dementia in a mental health ward?
Has your loved one with dementia left a mental health ward within the last three years?
Are you aged 18 or over and able to understand and agree to take part?
Are you willing to share your experiences in an interview or survey?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, what you do will depend on which group you fit into. If you are a ward manager, you would be asked to complete a survey about your ward. If you are a family carer, you might be asked to take part in one or three interviews over a year, depending on whether your loved one is currently in a ward or has been discharged recently. These interviews would be a chance for you to share your experiences and thoughts with the researchers. For people living with dementia, participation would involve one interview alongside your carer. The study does not involve taking any new medication or having additional medical assessments. The total duration of your involvement would depend on the type of participation.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the benefit of contributing to a better understanding of how to support families caring for people with dementia in mental health wards, potentially leading to improved care for others in the future. Sharing your experiences might be emotionally challenging for some, but you will have the right to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect the care you or your loved one receives. The researchers will handle your information carefully to protect your privacy.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Geller Institute of Aging and Memory, University of West London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to understand what families need when someone with dementia is in a mental health ward and to create better ways for wards to support these families.

Who can take part in this study?

Ward managers of dementia mental health wards, and family members or friends who care for someone with dementia who is either currently in a mental health ward or has been discharged in the last three years. People with dementia can also take part with their carer.

What will I have to do if I join?

Depending on who you are, you might complete a survey, or take part in one or more interviews where you share your experiences and thoughts.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes, the researchers will handle all information carefully to protect your privacy and ensure your details are kept confidential.

Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect the care you or your loved one receives.

How to find out more

Prof Emma Wolverson, DClinPsy

emma.wolverson@uwl.ac.uk 02082094277 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.