Peer support through video meetings: Experiences of people with young onset dementia

BACKGROUND: People with young onset dementia can experience stigmatization and social isolation. Peer support provides an opportunity for social connection and support. However, access to in-person peer support groups varies across the UK, and during the COVID-19 pandemic in-person peer support groups moved online. OBJECTIVES: We explored the experiences of people with young onset dementia attending peer support meetings through online videoconferencing platforms, and identified barriers and facilitators. METHODS: A focus group study with existing peer support groups for people with young onset dementia that had their meetings online was conducted. Participants were people living with young onset dementia. Participants were recruited through convenience and purposeful sampling. Initial contact was made with the group facilitator to discuss the study purposes and assess eligibility of the group members. The data was analysed thematically by two independent researchers, using an inductive approach. FINDINGS: Four focus groups with UK-based peer support groups were conducted through the group’s usual platform, including 20 participants. Through online peer support people stayed connected during the pandemic. It provided opportunities to meet people from different places and be involved in research projects. People found it a convenient way of connecting with others without having to travel. However, some missed in-person interaction and digital exclusion and challenges to navigate different platforms were identified as barriers. Organisational skills of the facilitator and support with getting into meetings can help overcome these challenges. CONCLUSION: Online platforms can make peer support more accessible for people with young onset dementia as it overcomes geographical barriers as well as barriers for those who feel uncomfortable attending an in-person group. Researchers and policy makers should explore how to implement and overcome barriers to online peer support, so that peer support is more widely accessible and clearly signposted to people with young onset dementia.