Norfolk and Suffolk NHS FT to develop support package for family carers

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, in collaboration with the University of East Anglia and the University of Exeter, is pioneering a support program for family carers of individuals living with dementia in the UK. With a generous £2 million in funding from the National Institute for Health Research, the trust and researchers are working with carers and healthcare workers to co-develop and test a new CareCoach support package. This program, originally from The Netherlands, aims to assist family carers in maintaining their emotional and physical well-being while caring for loved ones with dementia. The team is actively involving family carers in the development process to ensure the program meets the needs of a diverse mix of families. Moreover, the advisory group of family carers meets regularly with researchers to provide valuable insights and ensure the support package will be effective in real-life situations. This initiative is a crucial step towards providing the right support for family carers and improving their quality of life.