We will map the research and policy evidence on live-in care, with a focus on people living with dementia. Then we will conduct a two-pronged survey to characterise the nature of this market. The first prong will be a questionnaire for NHS commissioners; the second prong will be a questionnaire for homecare agencies listed as providing live-in care.? Before sending out questionnaires, to improve recruitment, we will organise a consultation event with live-in care providers, to gauge providers¡¯ appetite for participating in a survey and to ascertain what might support them to participate. We will explore with those joining the consultation whether they think providers will be willing to report their fees and other sensitive market information.

During survey work, we will recruit ten households employing a live-in carer when dementia is the primary support need, to take part in a case study. Within each case (household), our standard approach will be to conduct interviews of between 45 to 60 mins with the person with dementia and family carer; live-in care worker; and care co-ordinator. We will also invite the person with dementia and live-in carer to keep a photo-diary method for two 7-day blocks (3-4 months apart). This will help to reveal any changes in the arrangement.?

We will modify our approach for each case to accommodate a person¡¯s capacities, preferences, and situation, thereby making the research accessible (35,37). Care will be taken to be unobstructive in daily activities and preserve participants¡¯ privacy and dignity in the home setting (38). Field notes will be made throughout the time in the field. Researchers will also complete reflective notes directly after each visit. The approach to recording field notes will be systematic

Throughout the project, we will share learning and mobilise knowledge through a series of workshops with relevant parties, including commissioners, service providers, and families living with dementia. These will help us to achieve our impact goals (see below).?

Other Activities

• A podcast series discussing live-in care with a variety of guests.
• A Community Conference about live-in care in Winchester, planned for early 2027?
• Writing blogs and articles about live-in care.?
• Giving talks about live-in care at conferences and events throughout the project.?

Outcomes of the Research

Clarification on how and why live-in care packages are arranged and sustained, when dementia is the primary support need, and enhanced understanding of the nature of this market.?

Impact Goals

Ìì·¢ÓéÀÖÆåÅÆ_Ìì·¢ÓéÀÖAPP-¹ÙÍø|ÏÂÔØ main impact goal is to influence debates, perceptions, and the development of live-in care, when dementia is the primary support need; specifically, we expect the results from LIVE-DEM to:

• Address the clear evidence gap that surrounds live-in care to improve the organisation, delivery, and quality of this relatively ¡®hidden¡¯ care service.
• Change commissioning practices and stimulate the updating of quality standards for homecare to incorporate live-in care.
• Increase clarity and openness about how live-in care is funded and arranged, and how well it works when dementia is the primary support need.?

How to Get Involved

We are keen to hear from anyone with experience of arranging, receiving, or providing live-in care. This includes NHS Commissioners, family carers, and live-in care service providers. There are different ways you could get involved.? You could take part in our survey, a case study, one of the workshops, or join our lay advisory group. For more information, please contact the research team at Live-inDEMProject@groups.soton.ac.uk.