The method of "town hall talks": astudy protocol

Abstract

Society is responsible for strengthening "caregiver-sensitive" communities based on the principle of social services to the public and are thus oriented towards the appreciation of caring relatives (CR) of people with dementia (PwD), their capability for self-care and participation. This requires methods to emphasize the social value of informal care and to re-evaluate existing support services. The article aims to present the method of "town hall talks". In 20communities throughout Germany apublic town hall talk in which CR, actors in the community (AC) and the citizens enter into adialogue, was conducted. In three moderated discussion groups the question of communal responsibility for the provision of resources was addressed. These resources should encourage the CR ability of self-care as well as strategies for their support. In order to make astatement regarding the success of the project planning, three pilot town hall talks were evaluated. The recruitment of the population sample and the organization of the town hall talks in particular are administratively and logistically challenging. The project can only be successful through networking and intensive cooperation between scientists and the communities. In terms of content and logistics, the project planning of the pilot town hall talks was successful. The method received excellent ratings from the majority of the CR and AC. Regarding the creation of caregiver-sensitive communities the town hall talks promise great potential. The specific benefit of the method for the CR and the community will be examined.