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Coproducing an Evaluation of a Dementia Education Programme for Family Carers

Published Date: 15.2.2026

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Theme: Developing skills and knowledge

Sub-theme: Caring skills

UK Dementia Carer education Family caregivers Evaluation Survey Co-design

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Theme: Developing skills and knowledge

Sub-theme: Caring skills

View Publication UK Dementia Carer education Family caregivers Evaluation Survey Co-design

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Coproducing an Evaluation of a Dementia Education Programme for Family Carers

Published Date: 15.2.2026

  • Author/ Authors

    Rhoda MacRae, Anna Jack-Waugh, Debbie Tolson, Eileen Harkess-Murphy, Jane Mimnaugh, Susan Holland

  • Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)

    MacRae, R., Jack-Waugh, A., Tolson, D., Harkess-Murphy, E., Mimnaugh, J., & Holland, S. (2026). Coproducing an evaluation of a dementia education programme for family carers. Health & Social Care in the Community, 2026(1). https://doi.org/10.1155/hsc/3500517

Long Summary

Education and support for family carers of people with dementia are widely recommended, yet carers often receive inconsistent guidance and limited training to sustain their caregiving role. International dementia education standards reveal a notable absence of structured education for family carers. This study addresses that gap by evaluating the Carers’ Academy, a skills‑based programme codesigned with family carers using a three‑phase coproduction framework. The evaluation examined whether the programme improved carers’ wellbeing, dementia knowledge and practical care skills. Findings showed a statistically significant improvement in carers’ perceived wellbeing, alongside increased confidence, knowledge and skills. The study also demonstrates the value of involving carers in designing evaluations, contributing to the limited literature documenting carer participation in dementia research and highlighting the need for tailored, effective education.

    Key Messages for Carers


  • Dementia education can boost confidence in caring and provide meaningful support to carers' wellbeing
  • Lived experience is crucial to the development of educational resources, and helps shape dementia care

  • Key Messages for Policy Makers


  • Education for family carers of dementia care is crucial and imperatively needs further development
  • Collaborating and Codesigning education programs with carers is essential for retention, engagement and relevance

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The Carer Knowledge Exchange is led by Carers NSW and proudly funded by the NSW Government. It was established as a partnership between Carers NSW and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney from 2021-2024. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.