The ENRICH network continues to grow in the North West with over 30 homes now participating and three research studies being undertaken.

The first study, embedding a Human Rights Based Approach in Dementia Care, is being undertaken by Liverpool University and Mersey Care NHS trust. This study will explore whether the application of a Human Rights Based Approach to Health Care leads to improvements in the care and well-being of people with dementia in an inpatient/care home setting. The team would like to find 10 care homes across the North West to take part, with the four care homes already interested.

The second study is being done by Manchester University and aims to assess the need for more research into intimacy in care homes. To do this, focus groups are being conducted with staff and residents to help gain a better understanding of the importance of this human need. The study is well underway now but there is still the need for one more home to participate, so please get in touch if interested.

Lastly the OTSUKA study aims to trial a new medication to treat people in care homes who suffer from agitation associated with Dementia. The study is still in the early stages but will hopefully be starting later this year. We already have one care home interested so another big thanks to Eachstep in Blackley for working with us on this.

Upcoming events are the Manchester University conference on 16 the July 2014 in which the results of the intimacy study will be discussed and other issues around this subject area. Sadly places are now fully booked but we look forward to seeing everyone who is coming in July.

That’s all for this update, if any of the studies are of interest to you please feel free to make contact at phillip.tinkler@nihr.ac.uk or call 0161 276 3324.