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.