National Centre for Social Research on Dementia (NCSRD)

The research programme at the National Centre for Social Research on Dementia (NCSRD) is concerned with strengthening social research on dementia in Ireland. It will focus on identifying the most appropriate mix of biopsychosocial services for people with dementia, from diagnosis to end of life, taken from the patients point of view or 'through the lens of personhood within dementia'.
The vision for the Centre is to provide transformative research and policy frameworks that will support personhood within dementia care through an integrated, holistic and person-centred approach to resource allocation for people with dementia.
We know very little about optimal bundles of biopsychosocial care for people with dementia or the responsiveness of the social care system to the expressed needs of people with dementia and their families. Selection, autonomy and an appreciation of personhood within dementia are largely absent from the decision-making process in regards to their care in Ireland. So too is serious analysis and understanding of the role of family carers in the interpretation and delivery of care.
Neither costs nor outcomes, particularly those that relate to personhood and capabilities, are particularly well researched in dementia care in Ireland, or indeed internationally. Not surprisingly, therefore, public policy for dementia is not always implemented in an enabling and person-centred manner. Moreover, people with dementia usually prefer to live at home surrounded by family and friends. But the resources allocated and funding models in Ireland tend to favour residential care options, over the traditional community-based models of care.
The focus of this research programme is to provide clear evidence for policy-makers on the optimal biopsychosocial paths for people with dementia, as outlined in the principles and targets outlined by the National Dementia Strategy. The aim of this study is to create new practice and policy paradigms for resource allocation in dementia in Ireland that emphasizes choice, capabilities, connectivity and personhood for people with dementia.

Award Date

26 June 2015

Award Value

€1,594,497

Principal Investigator

Professor Eamon O'Shea

Host Institution

National University of Ireland, Galway

Scheme

Research Leader Awards