TY - JOUR
T1 - Preliminary Findings of an Active Multicomponent Lifestyle Intervention for People with Dementia and Their Carers: Mixed Methods Study
AU - D'Cunha, Nathan M
AU - Bennett, Michelle
AU - Mitterfellner, Rachael
AU - Brennan, Rosalie
AU - Wiseman, Lara
AU - Isbel, Stephen
AU - Bail, Kasia
AU - Barrett, Louise
AU - Rutherford, Kathleen
AU - Huang, Ian
AU - Gibson, Diane
N1 - Funding Information:
The research team would like to thank the study participants. The authors would also like to thank Lilian Anderson, Rachel Bacon, Kate Bunyan, Lyn Brocklehurst, Charise Buckley, Angie Fearon, Julie GriGn, Sarah Jack, Jane Kellett, Sam Kosari, Alison Merrington, Emilia Roberts, and Elena Sutcli/e for their contributions to the project. The authors thank Charise Buckley, Sian Chadwick, Rebecca Scouller, and Cameron Stewart for advising the project design. This research was supported by Canberra Health Services, the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, Hazel Hawke Alzheimer s Research, and the University of Canberra Faculty of Health. Open access publishing was facilitated by the University of Canberra, as part of Wiley University of Canberra agreement via the Council of Australian University Librarians.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Nathan M. D'Cunha et al.
PY - 2023/8/10
Y1 - 2023/8/10
N2 - There is a need for integrated and effective postdiagnostic rehabilitation programs for community-dwelling people with dementia and their carers to promote their quality of life and management of dementia. Here, we report on preliminary findings of the Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care, and Engagement (SPICE) Program conducted in Canberra, Australia. Over twelve weeks, six people with dementia and their carers completed five hours of weekly small group activities and separate individual appointments. SPICE is an active therapeutic intervention with five components delivered by allied health professionals: (1) cognitive stimulation therapy; (2) carer education, support, and capacity building; (3) physical activity; (4) Care Of People with dementia in their Environments (COPE) program; and (5) dietary assessment and advice. Participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-intervention and a program evaluation interview which was analysed by qualitative thematic analysis. The program demonstrated high program satisfaction ratings and program adherence (94% people with dementia and 92% carers) which supports intervention feasibility. The results of quantitative outcome measures suggest positive effects, but inferences cannot be drawn due to small sample size. Qualitative themes from participant experiences highlighted the following: (1) social connection, engagement, and interaction were key drivers of the success of the program; (2) clinicians fostered a positive and respectful culture; (3) carers were supported with strategies and skills to reframe dementia; and (4) reablement can be fun. The new combination of evidence-based interventions was feasible and considered valuable. Further results are required to confirm these findings and support a longer-term trial.
AB - There is a need for integrated and effective postdiagnostic rehabilitation programs for community-dwelling people with dementia and their carers to promote their quality of life and management of dementia. Here, we report on preliminary findings of the Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care, and Engagement (SPICE) Program conducted in Canberra, Australia. Over twelve weeks, six people with dementia and their carers completed five hours of weekly small group activities and separate individual appointments. SPICE is an active therapeutic intervention with five components delivered by allied health professionals: (1) cognitive stimulation therapy; (2) carer education, support, and capacity building; (3) physical activity; (4) Care Of People with dementia in their Environments (COPE) program; and (5) dietary assessment and advice. Participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-intervention and a program evaluation interview which was analysed by qualitative thematic analysis. The program demonstrated high program satisfaction ratings and program adherence (94% people with dementia and 92% carers) which supports intervention feasibility. The results of quantitative outcome measures suggest positive effects, but inferences cannot be drawn due to small sample size. Qualitative themes from participant experiences highlighted the following: (1) social connection, engagement, and interaction were key drivers of the success of the program; (2) clinicians fostered a positive and respectful culture; (3) carers were supported with strategies and skills to reframe dementia; and (4) reablement can be fun. The new combination of evidence-based interventions was feasible and considered valuable. Further results are required to confirm these findings and support a longer-term trial.
KW - Dementia
KW - Ageing
KW - Alzheimer disease
KW - health service delivery
KW - Occupational Therapy
KW - Cognition
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85186186545&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1155/2023/5395080
DO - 10.1155/2023/5395080
M3 - Article
SN - 1365-2524
VL - 2023
SP - 1
EP - 13
JO - Health and Social Care in the Community
JF - Health and Social Care in the Community
M1 - 5395080
ER -