Age Friendly Cheshire West launch Covid-19 national social service closure study

Together with researchers at the University of Liverpool, and many other social care and social support organisations, Age Friendly Cheshire West are looking at how the lives of older people, people with dementia, and unpaid carers are affected by the closure of social support services due to Coronavirus. These might include social clubs you usually attend, groups, peer support events and meetings as well as social care services such as day care, respite or home care.

Because of the Coronavirus situation, the government has imposed severe restrictions onto our everyday lives, particularly for vulnerable population groups. As a result, older people, people with dementia, and unpaid carers are likely to struggle getting the social support they need.

This study is running until the end of September, and involves completing a survey either online or over the phone with one of our researchers at three time points (Week 1, Week 6, and Week 12). In the survey, you will be asked to enter details on the types of social support services you attend or have attended prior to Covid-19, and some questions about your wellbeing. The survey should last about 45 minutes, and will be shorter in Week 6 and 12.

If you are aged 65+, caring for a loved one with dementia (who either lives at home or in a care home), OR if you live with dementia, then they would like to hear from you.

Click here to take part or you can arrange for one of the research team to enable you to complete the survey over the phone at a date and time that suits you.

Dr Clarissa Giebel from the University of Liverpool is leading this study and can be contacted

By email (Clarissa.giebel@liverpool.ac.uk) or via telephone (0151 794 9966).