RecruitingInterventional

Trial of Empowered Conversations dementia carer training

The 'Empowered Conversations' study aims to help family carers of people living with dementia in the UK. Many carers feel they don't have enough support for the emotional and social challenges they face. When someone has dementia, communication can become difficult, leading to frustration for both the person with dementia and their carer. This study investigates a 6-session course designed to improve communication and relationships. Researchers want to see if this course helps carers feel better, communicate more effectively, and if it's a good investment. Participants will either take the course or continue with their usual care, and their well-being will be monitored. The study seeks to benefit the large number of unpaid carers looking after loved ones with dementia across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

336

Start

15 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2027

Specialty: Social Care, Primary sub-specialty: Social Care; Health Category: Neurological; Disease/Condition: Organic, including symptomatic, mental disorders

What is this study about?

Many families in the UK care for loved ones living with dementia. This can be a rewarding but also challenging role, often without much support. One common difficulty is communicating effectively when someone's thinking and memory change due to dementia. This can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, and stress for both the person with dementia and their carer.

This study, called 'Empowered Conversations,' is looking at a special course designed to help carers. The course runs for six sessions and teaches practical ways to communicate better, handle disagreements, and manage difficult emotions that can come with caring for someone with dementia. The main goal of this research is to discover if this course genuinely helps carers improve their well-being and communication skills. It also wants to find out if the course is a good use of resources, meaning if the benefits are worth the cost.

By comparing people who take the course with those who continue with their usual care, the study hopes to gather important information. This will help understand if 'Empowered Conversations' can make a real difference in the lives of carers and the people they support, ultimately aiming for better communication and less stress for everyone involved.

Key takeaways

This study explores a course to help dementia carers communicate better.
It aims to reduce carer stress and improve well-being for both carers and people with dementia.
Participation involves questionnaires and potentially a 6-week communication course.
The study also checks if the course offers good value for money.
It's being funded by a UK national health research body.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are currently providing unpaid care or support to a family member or friend living with dementia. You need to be helping them at least once a week with emotional or practical tasks.

To join, you must be 18 years or older and able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part. Either you or the person with dementia you're looking after must live within the areas where the study is recruiting. The person with dementia you care for should not be in a nursing or residential care home, nor should they be receiving end-of-life care.

You cannot join if you are already taking part in another similar research study that offers support or therapy for carers. Your doctor or the study team can help you figure out if you meet all the requirements.

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 an unpaid family carer for someone with dementia?
Do you provide support at least once a week?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you or the person you care for live in a recruiting area?
Is the person you care for living at home (not in a nursing home or receiving end-of-life care)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, your first step will be to complete some short forms about yourself, which should take about 15-20 minutes. A little later, you'll be asked to complete more detailed questionnaires, which might take around 45-60 minutes. You can do these online, over the phone, or at home, whichever is easiest for you.

After these initial steps, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will take part in the six-week 'Empowered Conversations' course during the study period. The other group will continue with their usual care. Don't worry, if you're in the 'usual care' group, you'll be offered the chance to do the online course once the study has finished.

Throughout the study, about 4 and 6 months after you first started, you'll be asked to fill out more questionnaires. Like the first ones, you can complete these online, over the phone, or in your own home. The whole study, from start to finish for participants, is expected to run from April 2026 to June 2028.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially bring several benefits. Previous research suggests that carers who complete the 'Empowered Conversations' course often feel less stressed, communicate better, and experience an improved quality of life. These positive changes for carers can also have a good impact on the well-being of the person with dementia they support. The study team doesn't expect any major risks or burdens for participants. While talking about caring challenges might sometimes feel a bit upsetting, past experience shows that carers usually find it helpful, rather than distressing. If you find the questionnaires too much, the researchers can help by splitting them up or offering emotional support. Remember, you are free to stop participating in the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (4)

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

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Manchester, England
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Ashton-under-lyne, England
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust Hq
City only
Preston, England
North East London NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Rainham, England

Common questions

What is 'Empowered Conversations'?

'Empowered Conversations' is a 6-session course designed to help family carers of people with dementia improve their communication skills, manage conflicts, and cope with difficult emotions.

Who is funding this study?

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK, specifically through their Research for Patient Benefit Programme.

Will I definitely get to do the course?

You will be randomly assigned to either take the course during the study or continue with your usual care. If you are in the 'usual care' group, you will be offered the online course after the study ends.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You will be asked to complete questionnaires at the beginning, and then again around 4 and 6 months later. The full study runs from April 2026 to June 2028.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care or your relationship with medical staff.

How to find out more

Egle Saviciute

LCTUEC@lancashire.ac.uk - Official trial record

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