The LivDem 2023 survey: Facilitator views on benefits and the more active involvement of carers in the Living well with Dementia (LivDem) course

Abstract

The Living Well with Dementia (LivDem) intervention is an eight-week, group based post-diagnostic course for people living with dementia that aims to facilitate adjustment to the diagnosis. We set out to establish the views of course facilitators in two areas: first, the benefits of LivDem for participants, their families and for facilitators; and second whether carers can be more actively involved in the course.An online survey was distributed to health and social care workers in the UK and overseas who were delivering the LivDem course. The survey explored LivDem facilitators’ opinions about the benefits of LivDem and whether families could be involved more actively in the course.Twenty-eight facilitators completed the survey, with an average course completion rate of 2.43. One participant worked in Italy and another in Ireland, with the remainder working in the UK. All respondents agreed that LivDem was of benefit to participants with dementia (e.g. by enabling them to talk more openly about their dementia) and that it also strengthened participants’ relationships with their partner. Many facilitators also felt that they had learnt new skills that they used outside the course. While respondents largely agreed that carers should be more actively involved there were strong concerns that this should not impact on participants’ ability to express themselves within sessions.This study is consistent with research elsewhere suggesting that attending the LivDem course facilitates a greater ability to talk openly about dementia. The more active involvement of carers in LivDem needs to be balanced against risks that people with dementia may be inhibited from discussing their dementia. Accordingly, the study team have begun to explore ways to deliver LivDem directly to family units.