enhancing carers and cared for peoples quality of life through developing carers’ digital and care...
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Enhancing carers' and cared for people's quality of life through developing carers’ digital and caring skills -The DISCOVER project
Dr Verina Waights,The Open University
DISCOVER
Pilot Site
Pilot Site
Pilot Site
Pilot Site
Partners: Greece (1), Spain (2), Holland (1), UK (3), and Ireland (1).
Family carers
Caring for family, friends or neighbours
not defined by gender, age, race, ethnicity, culture or economic grouping
Long standing physical health problems, stress, anxiety and depression (Pinquart & Sorensen; 2003, Mencap 2013)
Likely to be financially less well off or living in poverty
Likely to be socially isolated due to caring role
Findings: knowledge and recommendations
more sup-
ported
carer/care worker
cared-for person
employer0
20
40
60
80
100
FamilyEmployed
Carers feel more supported/would recommend DISCOVER
Carers (%)
services websites computing skills
technologies for care
health0
20
40
60
80
100
FamilyEmployed
Carers new knowledge
Carers (%)
Carer and Stakeholder views
The amount of information in the resources is impressive… I will definitely be using it in my caring roleGranddaughter carer, UK
All of these [topics] are good for beginners [new carers]… these will help to solve problems as they arise. Older family carer, Netherlands
It is an amazing concept, bringing it [Services etc] all together
Carer outreach worker, UK
DISCOVER can improve caregivers’ skills and the quality of the services Care manager, Spain
I have learned a great deal of new information [about] the condition of the person I care for Caregiver, Greece
Findings -wellbeing
Statement Over the last two weeks…
Carers who felt this all or most of the time
Carers who felt this only some of the time or never
Family carers
Employed carers
Family carers
Employed carers
I have felt cheerful and in good spirits I have felt calm and relaxed I have felt active and vigorous I woke up feeling fresh and rested My daily life has been filled with things that interest me
44% 44% 39% 25% 35%
48% 43% 58% 26% 59%
26% 12% 13% 21% 17%
1% 8% 1% 1% 3%
Moving forwardDISCOVER Core shape but flexibility to be tailored for each
country Working with other organisations that support
formal and informal carers Providing a specialist service that complements
existing provision and can be embedded by providerChallenges Improving confidence of carers to use technologies Raising awareness of opportunities from being
online/using telehealth and telecare