Dementia advocacy in a time of austerity

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to report on an exploratory study exploring the provision of dementia advocacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative approach. Data is based on 17 semi‐structured interviews with a range of key stakeholders, and observations of the practice of advocates working in third sector organisations. The study was conducted in five localities across the UK.

Findings

The study draws attention to the benefits of advocacy as a means of supporting older people with dementia and illuminates internal and external challenges encountered by third sector organisations providing this type of support.

Research limitations/implications

The study captures the additional dimension that austerity brings to third sector organisations working in this field and the ways in which financial constraints are shaping the field of dementia advocacy.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to ongoing debates in relation to a contradiction between the current coalition government's Big Society ideas and the reality as it unfolds in a specific part of the third sector.

Citation

Brown, G., Standen, N. and Khilji, K. (2013), "Dementia advocacy in a time of austerity", Working with Older People, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 58-64. https://doi.org/10.1108/13663661311325472