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This study explores (1) which platforms people with YOD use for online peer support, (2) reasons for using or not using online peer support, and (3) how to optimise potential benefits and accessibility. A mixed-methods online survey was conducted including fixed-choice and open questions. Participants were people with YOD recruited through dementia organisations, Join Dementia Research and the NHS using convenience sampling. Fixed-choice questions were analysed with Chi-square test of significance and free-text responses with thematic analysis. A total of 69 completed surveys were analysed. Zoom was most popular for online peer support, followed by Facebook and Twitter. Positives included sharing social support, joining from home, and the option to choose a preferred platform. However, it can be difficult to follow the conversation or understand others. Many were unaware about online peer support and some felt uncomfortable talking to strangers online. To improve access and benefits of online peer support organisations and healthcare professionals should advertise and signpost more and groups should have a clear description. Online platforms facilitate social support and make peer support accessible to those who do not have access to in-person options. Future research and practice should focus on raising awareness about online peer support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is little evidence to indicate how far psychiatric day hospitals for older people can identify and address the needs of older people who attend. The current practice of Care Programme Approach (CPA) in which multidisciplinary team members, patients and their families meet, may provide a suitable forum for needs to be discussed and interventions planned and implemented. One hundred and twelve new day hospital patients over a period of one year were randomly allocated to an experimental group in which the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE). Assessment reports were fed back to day hospital staff but not to the control group in which routine practice was maintained. Similar follow-up assessments were performed after three months in the day hospital or at the time of discharge. At follow-up, both the experimental and control groups had over 60% of their initial unmet needs being adequately met. In both groups, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales 65+ scores and number of unmet needs were reduced indicating an improvement for both groups. However, there were no significant differences in outcome at follow-up between the experimental and control groups. Day hospitals for older people with mental health problems appear effective in identifying and meeting needs. The feedback from CANE made no difference in terms of outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]