About the Project and the Involvement Opportunity
We are seeking advice from carers who support older adults (aged 65+) who are:
- Moderately Dependent and require regular assistance with daily activities but retain some independence in either self-care or decision-making
- Severely dependent (e.g. fully dependent for bathing, feeding, mobility) – asking advice on recruiting carers or older adults (these carers can be professional or family).
Note: Dependency is determined by considering 5 aspects of daily life:
- Toileting
- Transferring
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Feeding
Participants will be categorised as:
- Mildly dependent – Needs help with one of these
- Moderately dependent – Need help with 2-3 of these
- Severely dependent – Need help with 4-5 of these
We want to talk to carers who support older adults (aged 65+) who need assistance for daily activities (e.g. bathing, dressing, mealtimes) to advise us on recruiting both carers and older adults for this research.
Why consumer involvement matters
Participants sharing their experience and advice will contribute to our project and hence better oral healthcare in the future. This will involve 1-2 meetings either online or in person with research team and other carers.
About the Position
The goal of this research is to improve oral healthcare services, benefiting the growing population of care-dependent older adults in Australia and internationally. Carers will share advice on the project, in particular recruitment of carers and older adults. Consumer participation in this study will contribute to developing a better tool for assessing oral health-related quality of life in care-dependent older adults. The personal insights of these older adults or their caregivers are invaluable in ensuring the new measure accurately reflects their experiences and needs.
What Am I Expected to Do?
- Share your lived experience and insights in 1-2 meetings
- Help design participant recruitment strategies
What Skills or Experience Do I Need?
Experience is needed as a caregiver supporting an older adult with moderate or severe care needs.
How Long Am I Expected to Be Involved?
Participants will take part in a Research Advisory Group meeting (and potentially a follow up meeting, either face-to-face or on video chat, lasting approximately one hour. Interview location will be decided as mutually convenient.
Where Will Meetings Be Held?
A mix of in-person and online, depending on consumer preference and feasibility.
What Support Is Offered?
- An honorarium of $50.00 per hour* is available for consumer involvement activities in line with CCIProgram guidelines
- Training and support provided by the CCIProgram or relevant support body.
*Participants will be given a $50 voucher for their participation in a meeting about the study and may be invited to a follow up meeting depending on project needs.