Understanding the linguistic, pragmatic and relational determinants of effective communication in dementia care in Wales.

This project will evaluate research evidence and new data to identify effective interventions for increasing and sustaining well-being in people living with dementia, particularly (in line with the Welsh Government's Dementia Action Plan, 2018-2022) the 45,000 such people in Wales. Previous research in the field has found that most communication training-interventions for dementia carers focus on pragmatic aspects of communication (eliminating distractions; speaking in simple sentences, etc), not encompassing the dynamics of relationships or accommodating other people's perspectives.

The project aims to understand what prevents family carers from achieving their aspirations in communicating with people with dementia (PwD). To understand such preventions, relevant language theories in the dementia context will be used in an effort to model better ways to support communication between PwD and their family carers. The final aim of this project is to understand the nature of how to introduce new ways of communication to already busy carers in collaboration with Six Degrees, located in Salford.