Research team contacts

Principal Researcher:

Associate Professor Margaret MacAndrew, School of Nursing, QUT

Research Student:

Olivia Liu, School of Nursing, QUT

What is the purpose of this research?

‘Knowing the Person’ is essential to ensure that in-home respite care for people living with dementia is person-centred.

This study aims to find out what people living with dementia and their carers perceive as essential information, and the barriers and enablers to achieving ‘Knowing the Person’ in in-home respite care.

The findings will help develop an approach that supports ‘Knowing the Person’ with dementia and enhances person-centred in-home respite care.

Are you looking for people like me?

We are looking for:

  • people living with mild dementia who:
    • are aged 18 or over and able to speak and understand English
    • reside in their own home and receive in-home care services in Australia
    • have been living with mild dementia or mild memory changes
    • can provide informed consent to participate
    • can access a computer with internet for an online Zoom interview (the researcher can support setting up the Zoom interview)
  • family carers of people living with dementia who:
    • are aged 18 or over and able to speak and understand English
    • have received or are receiving in-home respite care services
    • have at least three months of experience supporting a person living with dementia in a home setting
    • can access a computer with internet for an online Zoom interview (the researcher can support setting up the Zoom interview)
  • formal care workers who:
    • are aged 18 or over and able to speak and understand English
    • work as a home care worker/personal care worker, registered nurse/enrolled nurse, or home care service manager/case manager
    • have provided in-home care services for people living with dementia for at least three months
    • can access a computer with internet for an online Zoom interview (the researcher can provide support to set up the Zoom interview).

What will you ask me to do?

For people living with mild dementia, your participation will involve:

  • providing your consent (see how do I give my consent to participate in the participant information sheet)
  • attending a 1:1 online interview via Zoom (30mins).

For family carers and formal care workers, your participation will involve:

  • providing your consent to participate by signing a consent form and returning it to the research team (see the attached participant information sheet and consent form)
  • attending a 1:1 online interview via Zoom (30mins).

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are no expected risks beyond normal day-to-day living associated with your participation in this research project. Should your participation cause you any discomfort, you may like to take a temporary break or request to leave the interview.

Other supports:

  • QUT Counselling Clinic: 3138 9777 (Monday–Friday 9am–4pm)
  • National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500 (24 hours)
  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours).

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

This research project may not benefit you directly. However, your participation will contribute to improving the delivery of in-home respite care by sharing your experiences and recommendations. Your insights will help us develop an approach to supporting person-centred care for people living with dementia in home settings, while also advancing knowledge and informing future practice and policy.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To acknowledge your participation, you will receive a $25 gift card.

I am interested - what should I do next?

Read the relevant participant information sheet to understand your participation and eligibility.

Download the participant information sheet for people living with dementia (PDF file, 119.4 KB)

Download the participant information sheet for family carers and formal care workers (PDF file, 105.8 KB)

People living with mild dementia

Contact Olivia at olivia.liu@hdr.qut.edu.au or 0731 387 972. Olivia will go through the participant information sheet with you and answer any questions you have about the project. She will also check that you understand what taking part involves. After that, she will record your consent and set up an appointment to do the 30mins interview with you.

Family carers and formal care workers

You must sign a written consent form to confirm your agreement to participate. Contact Olivia at olivia.liu@hdr.qut.edu.au or 0731 387 972 if you have any questions.

Download the consent form for family carers (PDF file, 89.6 KB)

Download the consent form for formal care workers (PDF file, 89.3 KB)

QUT Ethics Number: 10233