PHARE – A Beacon of Support in the Care for Residents with Psychotic Experiences
We aim to recognise psychotic symptoms in care home residents more quickly through the PHARE project and to equip caregivers with practical tools for appropriate support. Psychotic experiences often go unnoticed or are misinterpreted, even though they can have a significant impact on residents’ well-being. That’s why we are investigating how frequently these symptoms occur, how residents experience them, and what they need to feel understood and supported. We also explore how to improve the careful adjustment of medication and develop a shared practice guideline for caregivers. In doing so, we strive to create an environment where both residents and caregivers feel seen and heard, where psychotic signals are recognised early, and where a shared guideline provides a clear framework for care.
A Beacon of Support in the Care for Residents with Psychotic Experiences
PHARE stands for
- Psychose - Psychosis
- Herkennen - Recognize
- Analyseren - Analysis
- Richtlijnontwikkeling - Guideline Development
- gedeelde Expertise - Shared Expertise
The PHARE project aims to improve the early recognition of psychotic symptoms in residents of care homes and to support caregivers with concrete tools. We investigate how residents experience these symptoms, what they need, and develop a shared guideline for daily care practice.
In 2025–2026, the research team will focus on the prevalence of psychotic symptoms and how severely residents experience them. Through a structured analysis, the team—together with caregivers—will assess whether residents required specific support that had not yet been provided.
Keywords: PHARE project, Psychotic experiences, Early detection, Residential care centers, Medical and Health Sciences, Gerontology and Geriatrics, Behavioural Sciences
(Photo lighthouse in header: © Le sixième rêve)
To develop a truly usable and evidence-based guideline, we need your help. PHARE is looking for partners who want to help shine the light together.
Project Team
Hilde Lahaye, Marianne De Witte, Hermien Dumolein, Mirte Steyaert and Katrin Gillis