NEIGHBOURHOODS AND A LIFE WITH DEMENTIA: NAVIGATING NEW UNDERSTANDINGS

Abstract

This symposium comprises the findings of four separate, but inter-related, work programmes (WPs) that form a significant part of the five year [2014–2019] ESRC/NIHR ‘Neighbourhoods and dementia mixed methods’ study [henceforward the Neighbourhoods study; and see: www.neighbourhoodsanddementia.org]. The Neighbourhoods study is one of a suite of studies and major social science investments funded directly under the first UK Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia in 2012. Two of the overarching aims of the Neighbourhoods study are: i) To explore, test and innovate the role of the neighbourhood in the everyday lives of people with dementia and their carers; and ii) To develop an international understanding on the place and meaning of neighbourhoods in the everyday lives of people with dementia and their carers. To demonstrate translational learning over the course of the Neighbourhoods study we have designed a symposium that, for the first time, will draw on the findings of WPs2, 4, 6 and 7 to illustrate, and illuminate, the research work that is performed by the WP leads to meet these aims. WP2 of the Neighbourhoods study uses large data sets to establish national neighbourhood profiles. WP4 uses innovative, participatory social science methods to view the neighbourhood as it is experienced by people with dementia. WP6 has developed an app for use in everyday life by couples where one partner has dementia. WP7 focusses on the meaning of neighbourhood for people who are Deaf (BSL users) with dementia. The Chief Investigator will provide an overview of the whole research programme.