How you can get involved...
Thank you for your interest in participating in this study. On this webpage you will find out more about the project and how you can participate.
We are interested in learning about the experiences of carers of people with dementia who have been attending a carer support group that has moved on-line during the pandemic. We would like to know how the support group you’re a member of has adapted in recent months, and your preferences about on-line versus face-to-face support.
It is our aim to reach out to as many carers as possible so that the findings will be representative of carers in general and this information can be used to help support groups cater their support to what carers want. Your input would be very much appreciated.
Taking part involves completing a questionnaire that should take about 10 minutes to complete, and your response will be kept anonymous. In section six of the survey, you will be invited to take part in an online interview about your experiences, but this is completely optional. This survey will close on April 30th 2021.
Who can take part?
You are eligible to take part if you:
- Are over 18 years old
- Provide non-professional care for someone with any type of dementia
- Live in the UK or Ireland
- Regularly attended a face-to-face support group for caregivers before March 2020 (before COVID-19) that has now moved online.
We are looking for the experiences of people who attend the same group (or a group offered by the same organisation) that has been moved on-line since March 2020. Do not complete this questionnaire if you were part of a face-to-face support group that was cancelled in March 2020 and have since joined a NEW group that is online from another organisation.
What qualifies as a support group?
We classify a face-to-face support group as any regular in-person meeting with a group of caregivers. For on-line support groups, we want to hear about on-line groups that meet at a regular time using video calls or similar. Talking informally in Facebook/WhatsApp groups would not be relevant as we are looking for the on-line version/replacement of the original support group that you were a part of.
How to participate
If you would like to participate you can complete the online questionnaire.
Please read the participant information leaflet and if you have any further questions about this questionnaire or would like to request a postal version of the questionnaire please email bethany.mcloughlin@warwick.ac.uk.
Your time and input are very much appreciated.
Resources and Support
If you need help or support here are many options available. Please consider getting in touch with one of the organisations on the Project Support Page.