Table 1 Eligibility criteria for dyad selection

- The patient has a diagnosis of dementia meeting DSM IV TR criteria following an assessment by a clinical professional.

- The person with dementia has a Clinical Dementia Rating indicating mild or moderate degree of dementia (i.e. scores 1 or 2) or scores 24 or less on the MMSE.

- The patient is not receiving regular assistance from a paid worker with personal care, on account of his/her dementia, such as help with dressing/undressing; washing/ bathing/ showering; toileting; feeding/drinking; taking medication. (Note: ‘regular’ is defined as at least once per week; ‘paid worker’ includes those paid by health and social care services and those paid direct by the person and his/her family).

- A professional judges that additional assistance with personal care is likely to be considered/required within 1 year.

- The person with dementia has a carer who is able and willing to participate and is in contact at least once per week. The carer does not have to be residing with the carer, they could be a relative, friend or neighbour in regular contact.

Exclusion criteria

- The person with dementia or their carer is not able to complete the assessments due to communication/language/hearing/understanding/literacy problems that cannot be compensated for.

- The person with dementia or their carer has a terminal condition or comorbidities (including long-standing severe mental illness) contributing to a significant level of disability

- The person with dementia or their carer has a life-long learning disability or severe physical impairment that would prevent them from being able to complete the assessments.

- The person with dementia resides in a care home or nursing home or has been resident in a care home or nursing home (e.g. for respite) during the previous 6 months.

- The person with dementia has a diagnosis of alcohol-related dementia or of Huntington’s disease.