ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Dement.
Sec. Dementia Care
This article is part of the Research TopicInnovations in Dementia Policies and ServicesView all 8 articles
New Perspectives on Peer Support in an Online Intervention for Family Carers of People Living with Dementia – Evidence from an Irish NGO
Provisionally accepted
- 1Alzhiemer Society of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- 2Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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The rising prevalence of dementia globally and in Ireland has intensified the need for effective support for family carers, who provide the majority of care for people living with dementia. This study examines an established education intervention called Home Based Care–Home Based Education (HBC-HBE), an online course delivered by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI). It explores if and how participants found the course to be supportive and investigates the role and importance of peer support in this regard. Using a mixed-methods case study approach, the research draws on survey data (n=225) and interviews (n=12). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent template analysis. Findings indicate that overall participants found the course to be supportive. Research participants reported that peer support on the course helps reduce isolation, enhances confidence, and facilitates knowledge sharing. But challenges were also identified including those related to emotional readiness, group dynamics and technology barriers. Recommendations are offered in relation to improved course design and structure, including Moodle course usability, developing tutor facilitation skills and introducing pre-course screening of candidates. Finally, implications in relation to national policies on dementia and digital skills are discussed.
Keywords: care partner support, dementia care, family carers, innovative services, Moodle, Online Learning, peer support
Received: 10 Nov 2025; Accepted: 31 Jan 2026.
Copyright: © 2026 Timmons, Donlon and Tiernan. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Fergus Timmons
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