Enhancing carers' and cared for people's quality of life through developing carers’ digital and caring skills -The DISCOVER project

Dr Verina Waights,The Open University

DISCOVER

Pilot Site

Pilot Site

Pilot Site

Pilot Site

Partners: Greece (1), Spain (2), Holland (1), UK (3), and Ireland (1).

Family carers

Caring for family, friends or neighbours

not defined by gender, age, race, ethnicity, culture or economic grouping

Long standing physical health problems, stress, anxiety and depression (Pinquart & Sorensen; 2003, Mencap 2013)

Likely to be financially less well off or living in poverty

Likely to be socially isolated due to caring role

The Skills Zone

Local and National Services

My map of local services

Websites of national organisations

Using the web

Quick reads and videos

Reducing the risk of falls

Findings: knowledge and recommendations

more sup-

ported

carer/care worker

cared-for person

employer0

20

40

60

80

100

FamilyEmployed

Carers feel more supported/would recommend DISCOVER

Carers (%)

services websites computing skills

technologies for care

health0

20

40

60

80

100

FamilyEmployed

Carers new knowledge

Carers (%)

Carer and Stakeholder views

The amount of information in the resources is impressive… I will definitely be using it in my caring roleGranddaughter carer, UK

All of these [topics] are good for beginners [new carers]… these will help to solve problems as they arise. Older family carer, Netherlands

It is an amazing concept, bringing it [Services etc] all together

Carer outreach worker, UK

DISCOVER can improve caregivers’ skills and the quality of the services Care manager, Spain

I have learned a great deal of new information [about] the condition of the person I care for Caregiver, Greece

Findings -wellbeing

Statement Over the last two weeks…

Carers who felt this all or most of the time

Carers who felt this only some of the time or never

Family carers

Employed carers

Family carers

Employed carers

I have felt cheerful and in good spirits I have felt calm and relaxed I have felt active and vigorous I woke up feeling fresh and rested My daily life has been filled with things that interest me

44% 44% 39% 25% 35%

48% 43% 58% 26% 59%

26% 12% 13% 21% 17%

1% 8% 1% 1% 3%

Moving forwardDISCOVER Core shape but flexibility to be tailored for each

country Working with other organisations that support

formal and informal carers Providing a specialist service that complements

existing provision and can be embedded by providerChallenges Improving confidence of carers to use technologies Raising awareness of opportunities from being

online/using telehealth and telecare

Using DISCOVER