About the programme

Staying active and connected to the people, places and things that matter to us is central to all of our wellbeing. The risks to the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and their family carers, that arise from disconnection, loss of a sense of control and over-reliance on unpaid family care – are well documented. Yet many people and families experience an absence of support to remain active and connected following a diagnosis of dementia, often only accessing social care in the teeth of crisis.

It is in this ‘bridging space’ – before people are typically eligible for adult social care, or the point where family carers typically reach out for respite, but past the point where people living with dementia can independently remain active and connected in their local communities – that Shared Lives day support and short breaks could add the greatest value following diagnosis, to avoid future crisis.

Research by Prendergast et al on Supporting social connection for people living with dementia: lessons from the findings of the TRIO study concluded that people living with dementia who have accessed Shared Lives day support and short breaks experienced enhanced social connection, a sense of control over their lives and community presence, while offering family carers much valued ‘time out’ and strengthening their capacity to offer ongoing support. A study of Shared Lives day support for people with dementia in Moray found that ‘Shared Lives can support people to live at home for longer and delay accessing residential care.’ This indicates an opportunity to invest in Shared Lives day support as a mode of early action and prevention; delaying or offsetting calls on more intensive and costly health and social care services.

Find out how to get involved, read real stories, and contact the ‘Live more’ team below.