Researchers at the University of Newcastle are investigating if support from a nurse is helpful to people with dementia or memory problems and their carers. If you are aged 65 years and older, living in the greater Newcastle region and have dementia or memory problems, you and your carer (family member or friend) may be eligible to participate in this study. This study will test the impact of a nurse-led care co-ordination model on increasing days living in the community and improving quality of life of people living with dementia or memory problems and their family carers.

Why is the research being done?

People living with dementia or memory problems may need different services to manage their health, and it can be hard for people to get all the services that they need. Two-thirds of people with dementia live in the community and are supported by informal carers. We will test if talking to a nurse helps you to get the right help at the right time. We want to test how helpful the nurse support is to both people with dementia or memory problems and their carers.

Who can participate in the research study?

People who are aged 65 years or older and have dementia or memory problems can participate in this study. They must also have a family member or friend (carer) who is willing to take part. A carer is defined as a person who is the main source of practical and/or emotional support for the person with dementia or memory problems.

People with dementia or memory problems who have a clinician-judged life expectancy of less than 12 months or who are receiving intensive and ongoing support from the Community Dementia Service are not eligible to participate in this study.

What will study participants be asked to do? What does the study involve?

Firstly, a researcher will visit interested people with dementia or memory problems and their carers in their home to ask some questions about their health and confirm eligibility for this study. Those who are eligible for the study will be randomised to receive usual care or usual care plus the nurse-led intervention.

For participants in the group that gets nurse support:

• A nurse will visit them in their home. During the home visit, the nurse will ask about their health and support needs, and discuss services and information that may help. The nurse will also talk to the participant’s GP to plan their care.
• The nurse will make four further appointments to talk with the participant and their family member (carer) about:

• living with dementia or memory problems and what to expect,
• what to do about any problems and
• planning for the future.

These appointments can be in the participant’s home or done by phone or video.

All participants will also be asked to complete health surveys at baseline (study entry), six and 12 months follow up.

How to participate

If you would like to participate
– Download and read the Participant Information Statements
Participant Information Statement – Persons with Dementia
Participant Information Statement – Carer

If you want to take part in the study, please contact the research team:

E: [email protected]
P: 1800 271 103.