PhD student Sarah Feltham-Chesshire

Sarah's project asks:

How can health and social care best meet the needs of people with dementia and their carers who are experiencing financial hardship?

We know that people living in poverty are more likely to develop dementia, yet we know very little about their day-to-day lives once they have it – or how financial pressures affect their care, health and wellbeing. 

Tell us about your research

The cost-of-living crisis has made life even harder for many families affected by dementia. Some people are having to go without home care, heating or social activities – things that are vital for wellbeing and independence. Missing out on support can lead to faster decline or earlier admission to care homes.

My research will explore the real experiences of people with dementia and their carers who are struggling financially, as well as the barriers that stop them from accessing the support they need. 

I’ll also look at how factors like gender, ethnicity and culture shape these experiences, and what types of support are most valued across health, social care and the voluntary sector. 

By understanding these experiences, this project aims to help shape policies, guidance and resources that reduce inequalities and support better care.

How are you hoping to make a difference through your research? 

My PhD asks an important question. The findings could inform training for professionals, create tools for commissioners and carers, and ensure that people with dementia in financial hardship are included in future research and decision-making. 

By working closely with people affected by dementia, carers and professionals, I hope to identify practical ways to make services fairer and more accessible for everyone. 

What excites you most about your PhD journey?

I’ve spent many years working as a social worker across both local authority and NHS teams, supporting people with dementia and their families. I’ve always been passionate about finding better ways for health and social care to meet people’s needs, and my PhD is a chance to do that in a new way – through research.

I’m excited to build on my professional experience, develop new research skills and contribute evidence that can help improve dementia care and support. Being part of a strong research department at UCL offers a fantastic opportunity to learn and collaborate with others who share this goal.

How does it feel to be part of the I-CARE Doctoral Training Centre? 

I’m so pleased to be completing my PhD as part of the I-CARE Doctoral Training Centre. It’s a privilege to work within a network of researchers who are equally passionate about improving care and support for people with dementia.

The DTC gives me the chance to learn from academics across multiple institutions and to build a strong, supportive peer network. 

I’m inspired by the way the I-CARE DTC reinforces the importance of care-focused dementia research – and the difference that collaboration can make in driving change.