University of Tasmania, Australia

Decision Aids for dementia carers

This study is developing and trialing a Decision Aid, called the GOLD Book (an abbreviation of Getting on Living with Dementia) for carers of people with dementia. Many different community care services are provided to people with dementia and their carers but it can be difficult knowing which services will be best. The GOLD Book will help carers to think through decisions about the help they need in a step by step manner. The book contains current medical and social information about dementia and services along with decision tools.

The book development was guided by the published literature and access to an expert advisory group including representatives of Alzheimer's Australia, Carers Tasmania and the Commonwealth Carelink and Respite Centre. The GOLD Book was then assessed by health care professionals and carers of people with dementia through focus groups and interviews. The GOLD Book is now ready to be tested on groups of carers of people with dementia, to see whether it helps with service decisions.