Abstract
This student-led study enhanced social participation programs for dementia care dyads. OTD students identified needs and developed a volunteer recruitment and funding plan, emphasizing collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders.
Primary Author and Speaker: Glenda E. Hux
The increasing prevalence of dementia poses substantial challenges for the well-being of dementia care dyads (individuals with dementia & caregivers). This study aimed to enhance a community center’s social participation program for caregiver/client dyads. The research question investigated how collaboration with social workers and community partnerships could optimize volunteer engagement and secure funding to improve social participation programming, thereby reducing caregiver stress and enhancing quality of life. Using a mixed-methods approach, we collected qualitative and quantitative data to comprehensively assess program strengths and areas for improvement. Participants included client/caregivers of adults with dementia, community stakeholders, and coordinating social workers. Semi-structured interviews were employed alongside thematic analysis to explore perceptions and experiences related to volunteer recruitment/engagement, funding strategies, and program enhancements. Findings from thematic analysis and observational data highlighted critical needs for enhancing volunteer recruitment strategies, as well as securing additional funding to support program expansion. Survey data underscored high levels of program participation but revealed limited capacity for accommodating more participants with current resources. Collaborative partnerships with local student organizations emerged as essential for addressing these challenges. This research contributes significantly to caregiver support systems and promotes social participation, thereby advancing senior health initiatives. By demonstrating scalable strategies, it enriches occupational therapy practice and positively impacts senior health and community well-being. Future research should focus on testing specific strategies implemented for volunteer recruitment and funding sustainability, ensuring the program’s long-term effectiveness in enhancing health outcomes for dementia care dyads.
Thijssen, M., Daniels, R., Lexis, M., Jansens, R., Peeters, J., Chadborn, N., Nijhuis-van der Sanden, M. W. G., Kuijer-Siebelink, W., & Graff, M. (2022). How do community based dementia friendly initiatives work for people with dementia and their caregivers, and why? A rapid realist review. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 37(2), https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.5662.
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