The North West Coast (NWC) Living Lab in Ageing & Dementia was launched on the 6th of March 2024 at the University of Liverpool (hyperlink to our launch event press release), and aims to bring together researchers and social care organisations in ageing and dementia and jointly develop research opportunities and improve knowledge and skills. Individual researchers are linked up with social care organisations across the NWC, such as day care and respite care centres, home care agencies, and care homes. These linked researchers, also called Linkin Pins, are embedded in the organisations, being based at a care home or day care centre for example 1 day every fortnight.

By linking up research and social care better, we hope to improve skills and knowledge in social care in ageing and dementia, and jointly develop ideas for research and implementation to improve dementia and ageing care.Our model is based on the successful Limburg Living Lab in Long-term Care, which is hosted by Maastricht University in the Netherlands for over 25 years. Take a look below for more info about the original lab, and their partner labs across Europe

Maastricht University in the Netherlands offers a model for sustainable interdisciplinary collaboration through the “Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care.” This initiative, founded in 1998, fosters partnerships between academia, care providers, and educators. By engaging end-users in research, including older individuals, families, and professionals, the Living Lab ensures relevance and impact. Its success has led to international recognition and invitations to share insights worldwide, demonstrating the potential benefits of such collaborative approaches.

Dr Hilde Verbeek (Mastricht University)

Dr Hilde Verbeek is Professor of Long-Term Care Environment sat within the Department of Health Services Research, within CAPHRI, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. She is the Vice-chair of the Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care

Professor Dr Jan Hamers (Mastricht University)

(J.P.H.)

Professor Dr Jan Hamers is a Full Professor of Care of Older People. He is the founder and chairman of the Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, which is a sustainable and successful formal collaboration between research, teaching and organizations providing long-term care.

Dr Clarissa Giebel (University of Liverpool)

Dr Giebel is the lead of the NWC Living Lab, leading research on addressing inequalities in dementia care and ageing in the UK and internationally.

Professor Mark Gabbay (University of Liverpool)

Professor Mark Gabbay is the Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast

Dr Megan Polden (University of Liverpool)

Dr Megan Polden is a DEMCOMM Research Fellow and scientific Linking Pin for Me2U.

Dr Megan Readman (University of Liverpool)

Dr Megan Readman is a DEMCOMM Research fellow and scientific Linking Pin for Age UK Wirral.

Dr James Watson (University of Liverpool)

Dr James Watson is post-doctoral research associate and scientific Linking Pin with Parkhaven Trust.

Dr Laura Prato (University of Liverpool)

Dr Thais Caprioli (University of Liverpool)

Dr Thais Caprioli is post-doctoral research associate and scientific Linking Pin with Randomlight

Jessica Bird (University of Liverpool)

Jess Bird is a PhD student and scientific Linking Pin for Caring Connections.

Dr Sanda Umar Ismail (University of Liverpool)

Dr Sanda Ismaeil is a DEMCOMM Research fellow and scientific Linking Pin for Stellar Home Care.

Dr Thomas Faulkner

Thomas Faulkner is a part-time PhD student and Assistant Psychologist at Mersey Care NHS Trust, and scientific Linking Pin for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Caroline Swarbrick

StellarCare NW LTD

StellarCare NW LTD is a comprehensive care and support service provider catering to the diverse needs of individuals and families in the local community and beyond.

Their business concept revolves around securing and offering a wide range of personalised services aimed at enhancing the well-being and quality of life for our clients. They focus on reducing hospital admissions by quickly identifying deterioration in our clients. Their nurse led approach has seen many positive outcomes and is looking to expand awareness of their services and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Parkhaven Trust

Parkhaven Trust have a longstanding reputation in the local community. We have been established for over 130 years and we are proud to be recognised as leaders in dementia care services.

Parkhaven Trust began as Maghull Homes for Epileptics, the very first of its kind in England. We became Parkhaven Trust in 1988 and we are now acknowledged as a center of excellence, leading the field in our use of the newest technologies for the benefit of our service users and staff.
Working hand-in-hand with our investment in the latest digital technologies are our values of kindness, care, and excellence. For more information about the services, we provide, and latest news please visit our website www.parkhaven.org.uk

Me2U

The Me2U Centre offers flexible day support services aimed at enhancing the quality of life and well-being for individuals living with dementia. Our mission prioritises optimising cognitive and physical abilities, fostering independence, and respecting the rights and strengths of both individuals and their carers. Our vision is to empower people with dementia to live well at home, support their carers, and create fulfilling careers in the care industry. We aim to lead in a new approach, fostering intergenerational community collaboration. Rooted in values of equality, excellence, commitment, and joy, we provide a safe and nurturing environment where individuals with dementia receive
top-quality care, allowing their carers essential respite.

Alzheimers Society

As a Society, we are made up of people with dementia, carers, trusted experts, campaigners, researchers, and clinicians. Through our support line, online and print information, expert dementia advisers and online community, we give advice and practical guidance for the next steps as people living with dementia navigate the hardest times of their lives. Phone support is available seven days a week via our Dementia Supportline. We give vital support to help people manage their condition today. Our dementia advisers listen and give support and advice, and connect people to the help they need. The service is free and available to anyone affected by dementia. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/contact-us

Caring Connections

Caring Connections is a registered charity established in Knowsley in 1992. The organisations specialises in the provision of home care support to individuals with long term care needs living in their own homes. The charity has multiple branches across the North West including Merseyside / Cheshire / Warrington and Wigan, currently supporting over 500 individuals with care needs per day and employing over 200 staffs. Alongside this, they also provide targeted support to Liverpools homeless population through reablement projects and deliver a regional bereavement counselling support service. Learn more here.

Age UK Wirral

Age UK Wirral is a brand partner of Age UK and are locally focussed on supporting older people. We were established in 1948 under the name of Age Concern and have since grown to one of the largest charities in Wirral. We work in an ever changing environment offering support in many areas including Practical Support, Wellbeing, Dementia and Carers, Support within the local hospitals, and Digital Inclusion to name only a few. We work in partnership with other charities, GP practices and trusts with a common goal for Wirral to be a great place to grow old and adding years to life and life to years.

(more to follow!)

Interested in finding out more? Contact the Lead Dr Clarissa Giebel for further information and how you might become involved.