A study of using the Living Well with Dementia for Couples and Families approach in the NHS
This study is about a new support programme called LivDem-Families for people recently diagnosed with dementia and their families. Many people in the UK live with dementia, and getting a diagnosis can be tough for everyone involved. While traditional support groups exist, some families prefer to discuss things together. LivDem-Families offers private meetings with a trained facilitator to help families talk about changes, cope, understand dementia better, and plan for the future. We've had good feedback from a few families already, and this study aims to find out if more families find it helpful and if it could become a service available on the NHS. The study is run by the University of the West of England.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Around 982,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, and hearing this news can be a very emotional time for them and their loved ones. Support programmes are important for helping people adjust and live as well as possible. One type of support, called Living Well with Dementia (LivDem) groups, brings people together to talk about their experiences.
However, we know that not everyone feels comfortable sharing their feelings in a group setting. Some people might prefer to have these important conversations with their family. That's why LivDem-Families was created. It's a special programme where a person with a recent dementia diagnosis and their partner or family members meet privately with a trained helper. These meetings are a chance to openly discuss how dementia is affecting them and their daily lives.
We've already tried LivDem-Families with a small number of families, and they told us it was very helpful. This study is designed to see if this approach also works well for other families. We want to find out if it's something that could be offered more widely within the National Health Service (NHS) across the UK, providing valuable support to many more people affected by dementia.
Key takeaways
- A new family-focused dementia support programme.
- Five private meetings with a trained facilitator.
- Helps families discuss and cope with dementia.
- Aims to see if it can be offered on the NHS.
- Takes place between December 2025 and December 2026.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to have been diagnosed with dementia between 3 months and 2 years ago, and be over 60 years old. You also shouldn't be in paid employment.
The person with dementia should have a mild to moderate level of memory and thinking problems, which means they can still talk about their experiences. It's also important that they are willing to talk about their dementia with their family members and are able to understand and agree to take part in the study.
For family members or close friends, you can take part if the person with dementia you support meets the above criteria and wants to join the study with you. This study is currently only for people receiving dementia support from the Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service or Somerset Foundation Trust.
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.
- Did you receive your dementia diagnosis between 3 months and 2 years ago?
- Are you over 60 years old and not in paid employment?
- Are you currently receiving support from Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service or Somerset Foundation Trust?
- Are you able to talk about your experiences and willing to discuss dementia with your family?
- Do you have a family member or close friend who would like to take part with you?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you and your family will have five meetings with a trained helper called a facilitator. These meetings will cover topics like how things have changed, how to cope, understanding dementia, planning for the future, and where to find other support.
Throughout the study, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires. We might also ask you to take part in an interview to share your thoughts and experiences about LivDem-Families. The study is expected to run from December 2025 to December 2026.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Devon Partnership NHS TrustCity onlyExeter, England
- Somerset NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyTaunton, England
Common questions
What kind of dementia do I need to have?
The study includes people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy Bodies dementia, or mixed dementia.
How long has it been since my diagnosis?
You need to have been diagnosed with dementia between 3 months and 2 years ago.
Do I need to live in a specific area?
Yes, at the moment, you need to be receiving support from the Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service or Somerset Foundation Trust.
Who will be in the meetings?
You will meet with a trained facilitator along with your partner, family members, or a close supportive friend.
What happens after the study?
The study aims to see if LivDem-Families could be offered as a regular service on the NHS in the future.
How to find out more
Richard Cheston
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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