Frequently Asked Questions About iWHELD and Our Research Study

Q: What do I get access to?

Participants gain access to: A rich library of ideas, activities, and takeaway resources on the iWHELD platform, weekly live coaching calls for the first 8 weeks, a supportive community of fellow learners, and unlimited access to the hub until the study concludes.

Q: What topics are covered?

The program covers: Person-centred care, Creating moments that matter, Personalised care planning, Understanding unmet needs, Reviewing and reducing medication, Supporting teams, Auditing care approaches, and Assisting residents in distress.

What is the iwheld hub and programme?

iWHELD stands for Improving Wellbeing and Health for People living with Dementia. 
This programme is an adaptation of an evidence-based approach tailored to meet the challenges brought by COVID-19. Running for four months, iWHELD builds on over a decade of implementing WHELD practices in 1000+ care homes with remarkable results. We are now assessing whether the online iWHELD platform can deliver similar benefits.

What do i get access to?

Participants gain access to:
- A rich library of ideas, activities, and takeaway resources on the iWHELD platform, accessible at your own pace.
- Weekly live coaching calls for the first 8 weeks, transitioning to fortnightly calls for the remaining 8 weeks.
- A supportive community of fellow learners in the iWHELD care network.
- Unlimited access to the hub and community beyond the four-month programme, until the study concludes.

What topics are covered?

The hub and coaching sessions focus on five core topics with practical tools and exercises:
- Person-centred care
- Creating moments that matter
- Personalised care planning
- Understanding unmet needs
- Reviewing and reducing medication 

Additional topics include:
- Supporting teams in delivering care and mutual support.
- Auditing your home’s care approach in line with CQC reporting.
- Assisting residents in distress.

What is the commitment?

Participation is free as part of a government-funded research study. To take part, we ask for the following:
- 5 residents with dementia from your care home.
- 2-4 staff members to act as Dementia Champions. 

After obtaining consent, the Dementia Champions will provide information about their own health and wellbeing, as well as that of the participating residents.

What is your goal in providing this support?

Our face-to-face programmes have significantly improved the health and wellbeing of both care home staff and residents. Due to the pandemic, we’ve shifted to a digital platform. Our goal is to determine whether this format can deliver the same positive impact.

Why now?

Care homes and frontline staff have faced immense challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to iWHELD’s support, community, and practical resources has been shown to:
- Boost staff wellbeing, confidence, and morale.
- Enhance the quality of life for care home residents. 

By participating, you’re helping us create a sustainable, accessible model for delivering care that supports both residents and staff alike.