Research Opportunity: Exploring Coping Mechanisms Used by Family Carers of People Living with Dementia
Young At Heart ULO CIC is proud to be supporting a student research project from Teesside University that aims to better understand the experiences of family carers supporting someone living with dementia.
Carers often develop their own ways of managing the emotional, practical, and day-to-day challenges that come with supporting the person they care for. This research hopes to learn from those experiences so that future support services, professionals, and communities can better understand what carers go through and what helps.
If you are currently supporting someone living with dementia, or have done so recently, you may be able to contribute to this important research.
About the Research Study
Research Title: Exploring Coping Mechanisms Used by Unpaid Family Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia
Principal Researcher: Ekufu Promise Chioma Jennifer
Research Supervisor: Dr. Heather Clements
Contact Email: C2835014@tees.ac.uk
The purpose of this study is to explore the coping strategies used by unpaid family caregivers who support a person living with dementia. By listening to carers’ experiences, the research aims to develop a deeper understanding of the realities of caregiving and how carers manage the responsibilities and emotional impact of their role.
The findings may help inform future support services, policies, and resources for carers.
Who Can Take Part?
You may be able to participate if you:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Have been providing care for someone diagnosed with dementia for at least six months
- Are able to communicate fluently in English
- Are willing to take part in an interview either face-to-face or online
What Would Participation Involve?
If you decide to take part, you will be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview lasting approximately 40–60 minutes.
During the interview you will be asked about:
- Your experiences of supporting the person you care for
- The challenges you may have faced
- The strategies or approaches that help you cope
With your permission, the interview will be audio recorded so that it can be transcribed accurately for the research.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Your participation will remain confidential. Any information collected will be anonymised, and pseudonyms will be used in any research reports or publications.
All data will be stored securely, and no identifying information will be shared.
Possible Risks and Benefits
Talking about caring experiences can sometimes bring up difficult emotions. You are free to pause or stop the interview at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
While there may not be a direct personal benefit from taking part, the insights shared by carers can play an important role in improving understanding and support for others in similar situations.
Your Right to Withdraw
Taking part in this study is entirely voluntary.
You can withdraw from the research at any time without penalty. If you decide to withdraw after your interview, you may request that your data be removed from the study up to two weeks after your interview.
Interested in Taking Part?
If you feel comfortable sharing your experience, your contribution could help improve understanding and support for carers in the future.
To find out more or to express an interest in taking part, please contact the researcher, Jenny, directly:
Email: C2835014@tees.ac.uk
Supporting Research
At Young At Heart ULO CIC we regularly work alongside carers who share their experiences of supporting someone living with dementia. Research projects like this help ensure that those voices are heard and that future services are shaped by real-life experiences.
If you feel comfortable sharing your story, your participation could make a meaningful contribution to improving understanding and support for carers.
