Peer support for carers of people with dementia
| Date | 10 April 2017 |
| Pages | 110-118 |
| Published date | 10 April 2017 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-12-2016-0038 |
| Author | Mike Chappell,Jane Zdanowska,Jane Cashmore,Gill Oliver,Joanna Cooper |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
Peer support for carers of people
with dementia
Mike Chappell, Jane Zdanowska, Jane Cashmore, Gill Oliver and Joanna Cooper
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of Compass workers: a commissioned
peer support model to support those caring for someone with dementia.
Design/methodology/approach–The paper offers a descriptive summary of how Compass workers came
to be and is informed by consultations with key stakeholders and a service evaluation encompassing both
quantitative and qualitative aspects.
Findings –The findings suggest that it is possible to make use of a peer support model to support those
caring for someone with dementia in the context of support being provided to the cared for by statutory
services. Both quantitative and qualitative data supported improvements in the quality of life for carers.
Originality/value –Both health and social care are facing increasing pressures. This paper offers a positive
approach to addressing these pressures utilising a peer support model to support carers that may be of value
to others facing similar challenges.
Keywords Dementia, Carers, Peer support
Paper type Case study
This paper describes the development of a peer support service for the carers of people with
dementia. It is written by the people who planned, developed and delivered it. A full evaluation
report will be available from the commissioners, however this is our story of what we have done,
what we have learnt and the difference that it has made.
Hearing the experience of people living with dementia
As in most areas in the country, the National Dementia Strategy (Department of Health, 2009)
galvanised meetings across Nottinghamshire for people to come together to improve the quality
and range of services available to people living with dementia. With little money or resources but
plenty of enthusiasm and passion people came together to listen, learn and change the future of
dementia care. People with dementia, carers and family members, sat alongside volunteers, paid
workers, commissioners and providers to record their views on the current state of services and
their aspirations for the future. Dementia was suddenly an important issue and care for people
living with dementia became everybody’s business.
One message that came out loud and clear was that carers often felt alone, unsupported and
frustrated by a complex health and social care system that frequently felt as if it was designed to
keep people out rather than inviting them in. Carers reported that whilst some professionals were
excellent, many were not and frequently carers said they had to fight to get a medical
assessment and diagnosis for their loved one, were left unsupported once they had received a
diagnosis or were “signposted”from service to service with nobody taking responsibility for
doing anything that actually helped.
What carers wanted was dedicated help and support for themselves, someone who would not
only give information about other services but would help to navigate those services and
advocate on the carer’s behalf if needed. They sometimes wanted practical help and guidance,
or someone to suggest different approaches to helping the person they were caring for.
Mike Chappell is a Compass
Lead at Mental Health Services
for Older People,
Nottinghamshire Healthcare
NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.
Jane Zdanowska is based at
Nottinghamshire County
Council, Nottingham, UK.
Jane Cashmore is a
Commissioning Manager and
Gill Oliver is a Senior Public
Health and Commissioning
Manager, both at
Nottinghamshire County
Council, Nottingham, UK.
Joanna Cooper is based at
Nottinghamshire County
Council, Nottingham, UK.
PAGE110
j
MENTALHEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
j
VOL. 21 NO. 2 2017, pp. 110-118, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 DOI 10.1108/MHSI-12-2016-0038
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