Dementia peer support: service delivery for the people, by the people

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a community-based peer support project in the London borough of Brent, led by people living with dementia for people living with dementia.

Design/methodology/approach

The Brent Dementia Peer Support Project is a collaboration between a social movement Community Action on Dementia Brent, Brent CCG, Brent Council, third-sector organisations and faith communities.

Findings

Stakeholder workshops, ethnographic research highlighted the need to support people living with dementia, especially by people who understand that experience. The findings also demonstrated the abilities and skills retained by people living with dementia, their wish to help others to contribute and to remain connected with their communities.

Research limitations/implications

This is an account of one pilot project in a London borough, but is broadly applicable elsewhere. Further research is needed into the values and practicalities of peer support by and for people living with dementia.

Practical implications

People with dementia and their carers lack accessible information and empathetic support to cope with the condition and live independently. This can be offered through dementia peer support services.

Social implications

There are growing numbers of people living with dementia who are motivated to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to improve the lives of other people with dementia.

Originality/value

This paper describes how people with dementia can be enabled to design, inform and deliver support to other people with the condition.

Citation

Femiola, C. and Tilki, M. (2017), "Dementia peer support: service delivery for the people, by the people", Working with Older People, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 243-250. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-08-2017-0020