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 Readman (University of Liverpool)

Dr James Watson (University of Liverpool)

Dr Laura Prato (University of Liverpool)

Dr Thais Caprioli (University of Liverpool)

Jessica Bird (University of Liverpool)

Dr Sanda Umar Ismail (University of Liverpool)

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.

(more to follow!)

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