Look - Phase 1 of a Participatory Action Research cycle: To explore the support required by older people, both with and without a diagnosis of dementia, in order to enable them to reside longer within their communities.

Abstract

Attempts to reduce the health and social care costs of an increasing proportion of older people in societies worldwide has led to a drive to find ways of supporting older people, two key themes, namely the roles played by the physical and social environments. In addition, the literature highlighted the need to involve older people in research to establish what they feel they require to age successfully within their own communities. Therefore, the purpose of this research proposal is to explore the support required by older people, both with and without a diagnosis of dementia, in order to enable them to reside longer within their communities by carrying out the LOOK phase of a community-based participatory action research cycle. A qualitative research methodology will be employed to explore the thoughts, feelings and perspectives of residents and family members of a sheltered-housing community within Fife in relation to the role of both their physical and social environments in supporting ageing in place. A purposive sample will enable selection of suitable participants. Access will be negotiated in consultation with both health and social care providers and ethical considerations will be foremost throughout the research process. The World Café format will be utilized in order to gather data. Additionally, participants will be invited to take part in semi-structured interviews thus enabling triangulation. Thematic analysis of data should yield information which will help address the aims of the research question. The purposive nature of the sample limits the study's generalizability; however, strategies to enhance quality and rigour will be employed throughout. The findings of this study will add to the body of evidence required in order to enable our communities to become truly age and dementia-friendly.