Improved support networks for carers in the north are vital to prevent more elderly people being admitted to permanent residential care, according to new University of Ulster research.

Final-year psychology student Anne-Marie McGranaghan carried out the research as part of a Science Shop project, in partnership with Age Concern.

Her aim was to assess the psychological impact of placing a relative affected by dementia into residential care. The study won the top prize of £650 at the annual Science Shop Awards, which recognise the best community-based action research projects of the year.

Findings showed a profound lack of sufficient support networks available to carers, resulting in elderly relatives being admitted to residential care homes not through choice but through lack of knowledge about alternative options.

“Identifying areas of support which care-givers require will enable the development of suitable interventions,” Ms McGranaghan, who is based at UU’s Magee campus in Derry, said.

“It will, however, be the responsibility of researchers and practitioners to ensure that policy makers consider such information.

“Providing health professionals with information about carers’ lack of emotional and financial support will allow them to gain an understanding as to why certain care-givers find they need to relinquish their roles.”

This, she said, had major implications for the health service in the area of dementia care as it depends highly on the services provided by informal carers.

The research found that although many carers do recognise some support is available, they are required to voice their need for it otherwise it is not received.

“It is clear that the NHS does not recognise the importance of informal care-givers and the difficulties they face,” Linda Robinson from Age Concern said.

“Age Concern acknowledges that this under-valued resource is crucial in ensuring older vulnerable people receive the care they deserve in the community or in a residential care setting.”

Ms McGranaghan received her award at a ceremony hosted by Professor Denise McAllister, pro vice-chancellor for Teaching and Learning.

The ceremony also marked the opening of an exhibition of work to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Science Shop at UU.

The Science Shop is an outreach initiative that provides community and voluntary groups across Northern Ireland with access to students, who will help with the completion of community based projects.

“These students have been recognised for their valuable contribution to their respective community partners, Age Concern and Foyle Women’s Aid,” Science Shop administrator Claire Mulrone said.