‘It was just – everything was normal’: outcomes for people living with dementia, their unpaid carers, and paid carers in a Shared Lives day support service

Abstract

Objectives Short breaks support the wellbeing of people living with dementia (PLWD) and their unpaid carers. However, little is known about the benefits of community-based short breaks. The objective of this study was to conduct interviews with stakeholders of a Shared Lives (SL) day support service to explore mechanisms and outcomes for the service. The aim of the study was to refine a logic model for a SL day support service for PLWD, their unpaid carers, and paid carers. This logic model shall form the basis for a Social Return on Investment evaluation to identify the social value contributed by the service. Methods Thirteen interviews were conducted with service stakeholders including PLWD, unpaid carers and paid carers. Framework analysis assisted in the synthesis of the findings into a logic model. Results The logic model refined through the interviews, detailed service mechanisms (inputs, activities, outputs) and outcomes. An overarching theme from the interviews concerned the importance of triadic caring relationships, which conferred benefits for those involved in the service. Conclusion SL day support fosters triadic caring relationships, and interview data suggests that these relationships are associated with meaningful outcomes for PLWD, their unpaid carers, and paid carers. We highlight the implications for policy, practice, and future research.