COVID-19 impact on the Support and Management of Older people in Wales: The COSMO Study – research opportunity

Swansea Centre for Health Economics, in collaboration with Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CADR), and the Department of Politics, Philosophy and International Relations has been awarded £250,000 from Health and Care Research Wales to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the over 65s.

Impact of COVID-19 on over 65s

The UK sought to mitigate the effects of the pandemic by restricting population movement and prioritising COVID-19 in the health care system. These measures were crucial in slowing disease transmission, reducing burden on the NHS and reducing virus-related mortality. However, disruption in routine health and social care and increased social isolation will have a longer-term effect.

Research project

This research project will first look to identify four of five priority areas from stakeholder feedback and a literature review to determine the gaps in research. The topics could look at various  health and economic impacts such as the effects on people living with  dementia,  mental health or cancer diagnosis to name a few.

Help from ENRICH Cymru members

Emma Richards, ENRICH Cymru coordinator said: “The team wants to look at the unintended impact of the ‘lockdown’ on the health and well-being of older people in Wales.

“This research project will encompass four interlinked work packages to seek to answer this important question.”

A stakeholder group has been developed however there are still opportunities for care home managers to get involved. ENRICH Cymru is looking for feedback on the priorities and access to those with a lived experience.

For more information watch this webinar or contact ENRICH Cymru.