The experiences and perceptions of Befriending Schemes from family carers of people living with dementia

Background: Dementia is a global public health priority. Carers of Persons living with dementia (PLWD) are recognised as essential partners in developing effective personalized intervention and support for the individuals, highlighted in the WHO Global action plan on public health response to dementia 2017-25. Two-thirds of carers report experiencing loneliness which impacts their wellbeing (NIHCR 2020). It is known that carers who live with and care for PLWD in the same household experience higher negative emotional impact and quality of life (Farina et al. 2017). Befriending schemes are potential support strategies to maintain carers’ wellbeing and their caring role (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2020). Knowledge about carers’ viewpoints of the impact of befriending schemes is fragmented. This study explored the reality of the carers’ experiences. Method: This was a cross-sectional in-depth interview study of family carers of PLWD, supported by a local Carers Support Services, and obtained ethics approval. An advisory group which consisted of stakeholders was developed to offer feedback regarding the research process and initial findings. Using purposeful sampling, family carers were invited to take part in an audiotape interview. The interviews focused on the experiences and viewpoints of the impacts of befriending schemes on their wellbeing and caring role, including carers’ feeling and reflections. Interviews were transcribed and coded, followed by thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke 2006). Findings: Eight participants (6 female, 2 male) took part in the interviews. Participants included spouses, children, and partner (aged 50’s-80’s years). Key themes included concept of befriending, essential elements for befriending schemes, accessibility to befriending scheme, highlighting barriers and challenges to successful implementation of befriending schemes. Conclusion: This has implications for service providers and commissioners to develop a realistic befriending schemes/framework to deliver the best possible support to carers who want to maintain the PLWD at homes