We are still riding on a high after our official centre launch on 17 October.
The event signalled the direction of travel for the Centre for Adult Social Care Research (CARE), highlighting that through collaboration, inclusion of diverse voices and rigorous research we will make a valuable contribution to better social care for all in Wales and beyond.
The importance of research
Albert Heaney, Chief Social Care Officer for Wales set the tone by emphasising that the “The need for robust evidence has never been more crucial”.
“By 2030, there will be an 18% increase in people aged over 65 – this represents thousands who will rely on our care services.
“The demand is growing, and complexity of need is increasing. This is where the power of research comes into play as a vital tool in providing this service.”
Bitesize talks
Researchers gave quick presentations of research already underway under the CARE research umbrella.
Wales Innovation Network funded “Innovating Assistive tech for Dementia” project, presented by Dr Sofia Vougioukalou, CARE Research Fellow and Jazz Browne, Chief Executive of Nubian Life Resource Centre, investigates the needs and barriers that diverse people with dementia and their carers have when using assistive technologies.
Dr Georgie Powell presented her fellowship research on Using Smart Home Tech in Social Care, with a focus on people with learning disabilities living in supported housing, and older adults in social housing.
The Engage to Change legacy research project, presented by Dr Elisa Vigna, examines the long term impact of the national project which worked with employers and young people with learning disabilities or difficulties and those with Autism Spectrum Disorder to create and support employment opportunities across Wales.
Dr Catherine Purcell spoke about her research on building communities that are more inclusive of neurodivergent adults, including those with Developmental Coordination Disorder, Dyslexia, ADHD and ASD. Her work particularly focuses on supported ageing and active travel.
Lived Experience Collective
Public and Professional Involvement Worker, Alice Butler introduced our CARE Lived Experience Collective – Damian Bridgeman, Chloe Cannon, Kirti Kotecha, Anne Rees, Dr Andy Woodhead, Richeldis Yhap and Mal O’Donnell, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our research.
As Dr Andy Woodhead, living with Dementia, said “People with lived experience should be treated as equals in research”. This is a fundamental value to all of us in CARE.
How research can tackle challenges in social care in Wales
Finally, our panel – CARE Director Professor Paul Willis, Taryn Stephens (Deputy Director Improvement, Social Services & Integration Directorate), Rachel Bowen (Director of Policy, Older People’s Commissioner Office) and Sarah McCarty (Chief Executive, Social Care Wales), and Cardiff University Professor Andy Pithouse – asked “What are the grand challenges of adult social care in Wales? And how can research help address these?”
Professor Paul Willis, laid out the top priorities for adult social care research:
- Greater engagement of underrepresented groups in social care
- Greater valuing of people working in social care sector
- How can we embrace AI in an ethical way in social care?
Thank you to all those who attended and helped make the event a success.
