Dementia Care at Home: Bringing Together Research Ideas from across England
- Jamie Stevenson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Written by Dr Gladys Yinusa, ARC Wessex DEM-COMM fellow.
In July 2025, Bournemouth University played host to a hybrid public event led by the DEM-COMM Research and Practice in Homecare Special Interest Group (SIG), with support from the NIHR ARC Wessex (National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration Wessex) and Alzheimer’s Society. The theme? Building research readiness in homecare and forging stronger collaborations between providers, researchers, and carers.
This wasn’t just another conference. It brought together a diverse crowd—from clinical professionals and homecare managers to family carers, dementia researchers, and representatives across academia and health and social care. Whether joining in person or online, participants came ready to share, question, and co-create ideas for better dementia care.
Setting the Stage
The event opened with words from Dr. Gladys Yinusa (NIHR ARC Wessex), followed by Professor Ruth Bartlett (University of Southampton), who spotlighted the DEM-COMM postdoctoral programme and its strides in building capacity for applied dementia research.
Then came the keynote from Louise Marsh
(RELEC: Research Learning & Excellence Community, East Midlands Research Design Network & University of Lincoln), who asked: “Home Care Voices…Who’s Listening?” Her talk examined the homecare landscape, advocating for greater engagement from practitioners and emphasizing how research empowers voices often unheard.
Bite-Sized Insights from DEM-COMM Fellows
A series of short talks brought fresh perspectives from DEM-COMM Fellows representing regional Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs):
Dr. Sarah Polack, from NIHR ARC Kent Surrey and Sussex, explored depression detection in people with dementia living alone.
Dr. Steven Lyons, NIHR ARC North East and North Cumbria, showcased music therapy’s soothing impact for families navigating home-based dementia care.
Dr. Catherine Alexander, NIHR ARC South West Peninsula, challenged assumptions around dementia awareness, calling for more person-centred approaches.
Dr. Megan Polden, NIHR ARC North West Coast, unpacked the turbulence of hospital discharge and its ripple effects on homecare.
Dr. Gladys Yinusa, NIHR ARC Wessex, shared findings from TOMATO, supporting nutrition and hydration in home-based dementia care.
These presentations opened up discussion on research opportunities and collaboration.
Real-Life Application & Connection
Midday offered a chance to connect—with stands from GoodOaks Homecare, RELEC, and DEM-COMM Fellows providing interactive insights.
The afternoon featured a case study from Laura Goodridge, CEO of Home Instead Worcester, demonstrating how practical, researcher-provider partnerships can directly enhance care quality.
Conversations that Matter
In a panel hosted by Dr. Yinusa, voices from both care and research worlds joined in: John Major (Alzheimer’s Society Research Network), Mark McGlade (Home Instead Exeter and East Devon), and Louise Marsh added depth to discussions about collaboration and co-creation.
Attendees joined via Padlet for an interactive session exploring how to strengthen ties between researchers, carers, and care providers—making research not just relevant, but revolutionary.
Reflections & Forward Momentum
The day wrapped up with reflections and thanks, underscoring a shared mission: making dementia care at home more inclusive, evidence-based, and personal. As the DEM-COMM community continues to grow, so does the promise of impactful, applied research that truly listens and responds to the voices shaping homecare.