STrAtegies for RelaTives (START)

START is an evidence-based program developed in the United Kingdom. It is a program designed to support people (family/friends) who are providing care for a person with dementia (or like) by improving carers' coping, well-being and mood. For more information about the original UK version, please click here. 

Our research has focused on adapting the START (UK) program for an Australian population to investigate whether it works better than the established program that is currently available to carers.

With an ageing population in Australia, the challenge will be to ensure that people living with dementia can have their needs met. It’s being increasingly recognised that if people are allowed to ‘age-in-place’, in their own homes, in a familiar environment, they have better quality of life.  However, carers of people with dementia take on many additional responsibilities that can be physically and emotionally challenging and impact their mood and well-being. Our research is looking at a way we can support carers to improve their quality of life. 

In a pilot study, we found that START was an effective intervention to support carers. Please click here to find the publication.

START is currently offered through the University of Newcastle's Psychology Clinic. For more information about this clinic and to access its services, please click here.

The Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) provides information on services for carers and people with dementia across Australia. You can search for memory clinics near you, including the University of Newcastle's Psychology Clinic, by clicking here and typing your location into the map's search bar.

We are freely providing all materials necessary for clinicians to use START in their place of work. This includes a therapist manual and a workbook for carers to use throughout the sessions. Please click here to access the materials.