Raymond Smith1, Vari Drennan2, Ann Mackenzie3, Nan Greenwood4. 1. Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, St. George's, University of London and Kingston University, London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London. SW17 0RE United Kingdom. Electronic address: R.J.Smith@sgul.kingston.ac.uk. 2. Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, St. George's, University of London and Kingston University, London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London. SW17 0RE United Kingdom. Electronic address: V.Drennan@sgul.kingston.ac.uk. 3. Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, St. George's, University of London and Kingston University, London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London. SW17 0RE United Kingdom. Electronic address: Ann.Mackenzie@sgul.kingston.ac.uk. 4. Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, St. George's, University of London and Kingston University, London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London. SW17 0RE United Kingdom. Electronic address: Nan.Greenwood@sgul.kingston.ac.uk.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Volunteer led befriending and peer support is provided to a wide range of people with varying needs. Despite large numbers of such schemes for carers of people with dementia, there is little evidence for any benefits they may offer. The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of befriending and peer support on carers of people with dementia and to explore their experiences of receiving the interventions using a mixed methods approach. METHODS: Nineteen carers of people with dementia were recruited from befriending and peer support services. Carers completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and UCLA Loneliness Scale at baseline, three months and six months. Of the 16 carers who completed the quantitative phase, eight took part in depth semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in perceived social support from a significant other between baseline and three months was found (Z = 2.487, p = 0.013). Qualitative findings showed befriending and peer support to be important sources of emotional and social support for carers, which was facilitated by the volunteers' experiential similarity. CONCLUSION: Volunteer led befriending and peer support offers carers of people with dementia emotional and social support which enables them to cope better with challenges and continue caring. This has important implications for potentially reducing breakdowns in carer mental and physical health. Future research should explore whether these finding are replicable in other locations and in more diverse populations.
BACKGROUND: Volunteer led befriending and peer support is provided to a wide range of people with varying needs. Despite large numbers of such schemes for carers of people with dementia, there is little evidence for any benefits they may offer. The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of befriending and peer support on carers of people with dementia and to explore their experiences of receiving the interventions using a mixed methods approach. METHODS: Nineteen carers of people with dementia were recruited from befriending and peer support services. Carers completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and UCLA Loneliness Scale at baseline, three months and six months. Of the 16 carers who completed the quantitative phase, eight took part in depth semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in perceived social support from a significant other between baseline and three months was found (Z = 2.487, p = 0.013). Qualitative findings showed befriending and peer support to be important sources of emotional and social support for carers, which was facilitated by the volunteers' experiential similarity. CONCLUSION: Volunteer led befriending and peer support offers carers of people with dementia emotional and social support which enables them to cope better with challenges and continue caring. This has important implications for potentially reducing breakdowns in carer mental and physical health. Future research should explore whether these finding are replicable in other locations and in more diverse populations.
Authors: Mary Pat Sullivan; Veronika Williams; Adetola Grillo; Roberta McKee-Jackson; Paul M Camic; Gill Windle; Joshua Stott; Emily Brotherhood; Sebastian J Crutch Journal: Dementia (London) Date: 2022-09-16
Authors: Daphne Sze Ki Cheung; Lily Yuen Wah Ho; Robin Ka Ho Kwok; Daniel Lok Lam Lai; Claudia Kam Yuk Lai Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2022-02-08 Impact factor: 3.295