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Spotlight : HOMEDEM Work Package 3
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In this third issue of our HOMEDEM newsletter, let’s get to know Work Package 3 (WP3) and how they are contributing to innovative research in the area of dementia. Research Directions The aims of WP3 are to co-design strategies to create adaptive, personalized care ecosystems for people with dementia that focus on their participation in life. WP3 also aims to analyze existing care systems, developing respectful interventions, and evaluate funding models for scalability and sustainability across micro, meso, and macro levels. Andrea Nakakawa (DC7) is researching the integration of autonomy, personhood and citizenship as key principles in care provision for people with dementia living at home, from a policy and institutional level perspective. Vamsi Krishna Boyanagari (DC 8) is investigating the resource implications of enhanced autonomy and choice for people with dementia living at home, especially at key care transition points, with particular reference to cost, benefits and funding arrangements. Research Collaborations |
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Andrea and Vamsi have been collaborating on a scoping review to map existing strategies used by home care and day care services to support autonomy, personhood, and citizenship for people with dementia. In addition, they are conducting a policy analysis across different European countries to explore how various care systems organize and fund dementia care. A key focus of this work is to use insights from the project to share learnings across countries, highlighting best practices and potential improvements. Significance in Dementia Research: “Through our projects, we’re working to create more person-centered care ecosystems that truly support people with dementia in their daily lives. Our focus is on understanding existing dementia care systems in diverse European countries, exploring funding models that make these services sustainable, and identifying strategies to bridge policy and practice. Ultimately, our goal is to help shape home-based care models that are both inclusive and sustainable for the future. Andrea and Vamsi, Work Package 3 |
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Andrea is currently on secondment in Sörmland, Sweden, collaborating with Experio Lab and Eskilstuna’s municipality to explore how the region organizes and sustains home care services for people with dementia. In the coming months, they will work together to test strategies for bridging the gap between policy and practice, using participatory methodologies to develop more effective and person-centered care solutions.
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Vamsi recently completed his secondment at TrinityHaus, an associated partner in the consortium’s research network. During this period, he explored factors that support independent living for individuals with dementia, worked with Tom Grey and his team to understand dementia-inclusive housing design, Universal Design guidelines, and relevant policy frameworks. These insights are helping Vamsi to refine the choice attributes for his Discrete Choice Experiment Survey, a key part of his research.
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Expanding collaborations beyond the Homedem consortium
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As the DCs progress in their PhD journey, they are actively engaging in diverse collaborations, some extending beyond the official consortium. These partnerships not only strengthen their research but also foster valuable connections with institutions across Europe. Here are some recent examples:
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Marina (DC1) Marina is currently in Bangor, collaborating with Dr. Patricia Masterson-Algar and the research team at the Dementia Services Development Centre at Bangor University, led by Prof. Gill Windle. This stay has been made possible thanks to additional funding from Interdem Academy and Alzheimer Nederland. Her main activities include interviewing people with dementia and their partners, attending public involvement events and support activities, and participating as a speaker in lectures and research seminars. This experience is invaluable for expanding her professional network, collecting data in English, and gaining insights into public involvement and dementia support programs in Wales. |
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Ajda (DC 6) During summer 2024, Ajda conducted data collection in Slovenia, her home country. Since her second study is qualitative, she conducted in-depth interviews with informal caregivers of people with dementia experiencing nighttime agitation. She collaborated with the Alzheimer Association Spominčica and daycare centers to recruit participants. Visiting 15 caregivers in their homes, she explored their experiences and strategies for managing nighttime agitation. This was her first qualitative study, and doing it in her native language allowed her to deeply engage with caregivers’ experiences and reflect on their challenges. |
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Alicia (DC 4) Alicia is currently based in Bristol, UK, conducting a study on the home environments of people living with dementia under the guidance of Dr. Jac Fennell, a Senior Lecturer in Product Design at UWE Bristol’s Faculty of Environment and Technology. She is collaborating with Alive Activities, a vibrant community dedicated to enriching the lives of people with dementia and their carers through programs like intergenerational initiatives and gardening clubs. By engaging with Dementia Meeting Groups and Cafés, she is building meaningful connections with individuals and carers, fostering both academic and healthcare collaborations within an English-speaking context. |
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Meeting the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD) and the European Dementia Carers Working Group (EDCWG)
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In October 2024, the DCs had the opportunity to meet both working groups where they engaged in discussions and received feedback on how to ensure their research methodologies are relevant and impactful for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Learn about their experience by visiting the HOMEDEM website (linked via QR code below) |
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Our Experience at the Dementia Lab 2025 In March 2025, Rising, Natsumi and Alicia had the opportunity to present their research at Dementia Lab, hosted at University of Aveiro, Portugal.
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Rising presented on how artefacts enact and participate in the facilitation of daily activities in a dementia care home. |
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Alicia and Natsumi presented their evolving toolkit for examining small worlds within the homes of people with dementia. |
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News Feature Learn more about our experience at our secondments and events we participated in by clicking here or scan the QR code to access the featured page on the HOMEDEM official webpage.
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Stay updated with our research progress and news from our consortium through our newsletter, official webpage and Instagram page.
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