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Dr Rebecca Oatley

Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Email
OatleyR3@cardiff.ac.uk
Campuses
Glamorgan Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3WA
Users
Available for postgraduate supervision

Overview

I am a researcher and lecturer on the MA Social Work (2 year) qualifying programme at Cardiff University. I previously worked as a qualified social worker across statutory and third sector services for older adults and people living with dementia. 

My research interests include social work with older adults, diversity and the lived experience of dementia, post-diagnostic community-based support interventions, and translating research into practice. 

Publication

2023

2021

Articles

Book sections

  • Oatley, R. 2023. Gender, leisure and dementia. In: Russell, C., Gray, K. and Twigg, J. eds. Leisure and Everyday Life with Dementia. Reconsidering Dementia Open University Press, pp. 40-52.

Conferences

Thesis

Research

My main research interests are: 

  • social work with older adults
  • diversity and the lived experience of dementia 
  • post-diagnostic community-based support interventions
  • translating research into practice

Current research projects include: 

  • Food Glorious Food: A mixed methods evaluation of food-related practices in post-diagnostic community-based group support for people affected by dementia (starts 2024) (Funded by NIHR Research for Social Care)

Completed research projects include:

  • Women's experiences of sport reminiscence activities for people affected by dementia (PhD studentship)
  • Championing physical activity for people living with dementia (Funded by Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire and the Leisure Studies Association)
  • Living with dementia in extra care housing (Funded by NIHR School for Social Care 102645/ER/UWTA-P180)

Teaching

I teach on the MA Social Work (2 year) qualifying programme at Cardiff University. My main areas of expertise include social work with older adults, adults living with dementia, family carers, and ageing. 

Biography

Academic Achievements

2021 PhD (Dementia Studies), University of Worcester
2015 MA (Social Work), Cardiff University
2007 BSc (Hons) (Physiology & Psychology), Cardiff University

Professional Experience

I have previously worked as a qualified social worker in a statutory team for older adults. I also have many years experience working across health and third sector services for older adults, adults living with dementia and family carers. 

Professional memberships

  • Lesiure Studies Association 

Research themes

Specialisms

  • Social work
  • Dementia
  • Ageing
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Physical Activity