New research on the value of museums-led dementia awareness programme for family carers of people with dementia
Added on Thursday, August 17th, 2017
As part of the Crossing Boundaries research project in collaboration with National Museums Liverpool (NML), researchers at the Institute of Cultural Capital (ICC) are delighted to share new evidence on the value and impact of NML’s award-winning dementia awareness programme House of Memories for family carers of people with dementia.
Launched in 2016 with funding from the Department of Health, the House of Memories dementia awareness workshop for family and friends uses museum collections and resources to empower carers and volunteers with information and ideas to support empathic communication with people living with dementia and promote community wellbeing and resilience. The programme was launched in partnership with New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester; Salford Museum and Art Gallery; and the British Museum, London.
Using a mixed-method approach, data show positive outcomes concerning the understanding and practice of person-centred care, including strategies to reduce the stigma associated with dementia; to support living well with the condition; to promote dignity, respect and compassion in dementia care; and to combat isolation, social exclusion and loneliness. From a strategic perspective, social value data validates the personal outcomes of the programme relating to carers’ subjective wellbeing, dementia knowledge and awareness and person-centred care practices. As a social return on investment (SROI) for commissioners and key stakeholders, analysis shows an SROI ratio of £1: £18.73 over a projected five-year period.
Dr Rafaela Ganga (ICC Research Associate) led the family carers study – click here for the full research report – which complements ongoing research on the value and impact of NML’s House of Memories health and social care model designed to support carers working in health and social care sectors and ancillary public services.
