Researchers in dementia at NUI Galway are producing important research insights into many aspects of dementia care in Ireland, specifically: resource allocation decision-making; support structures for family carers; and how people with dementia are treated within the care system. The focus is now turning to sharing the results of our work among stakeholders, thereby ensuring that the research has a real impact on the lives of people with dementia (PWD) and family carers.
We will appoint a dedicated Knowledge Broker to work with PWD and their family carers to communicate the results of our work. That person will liaise directly with PWD and family carers in relation to translating the findings generated by the research into viable policy actions.
We plan to develop two novel ideas: a Policy Café for PWD and a Carers Assembly for family carers. The former will bring together PWD in a relaxed setting to discuss the research findings and related policy issues in a way that reflects their real life experiences. Discussion and dialogue at the Café will be documented and will help to shape the way the results of our research are written and communicated to policy-makers.
The establishment of a Carers Assembly will bring together family carers to deliberate on the findings of our research and on related policy issues for PWD and family carers. Experts on dementia and policy-makers will address the Assembly. Carers will vote on issues raised during the Assembly, thereby helping to establish priorities for dementia care in Ireland.
