Engagement in Meaningful Activities Among Residents with Dementia in Assisted Living

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundEngagement in meaningful activities is beneficial for the physical and psychological well‐being of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (ADRD). Meaningful activities are a critical dimension of person‐centered care, although challenges exist in providing them for persons with ADRD in long‐term care settings. The purpose of this study was to describe engagement in meaningful activities among residents with ADRD in assisted living.MethodThis study included baseline data collected from the first cohort of the randomized controlled trial, Meaningful Activities for Managing Behavioral Symptoms of Distress (MAC‐4‐BSD). Assisted living residents were eligible if they were ≥55 years old, live in a participating setting, and screen positive for dementia based on the Saint Louis University Mental Status exam (SLUMS) and AD8 Dementia Screening Interview. Residents were excluded if they were enrolled in hospice, admitted for short term respite, or had a significant neurological condition not related to ADRD. Residents’ engagement in meaningful activities was evaluated based on the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics and describe engagement in meaningful activities.ResultA total of 38 residents from 3 assisted living communities were included in the sample. Most participants were female (71%), White (82%), and mean age was 81 years old (SD = 7.9). Average score on the SLUMS was 4.5 (SD = 4.9). The EMAS mean score was 43.57 (SD = 10.9) with a range of 25 to 60. Participation was endorsed most frequently for activities that give them pleasure (60.7%) and a sense of satisfaction (64.3%). Participation was endorsed least frequently for activities that help other people (35.7%), contribute to feeling competent (42.9%), and have the right amount of challenge (42.8%).ConclusionFindings from this study offer preliminary insights into residents’ engagement in meaningful activities in assisted living and suggest there is limited participation in activities that help others, help with feeling competent, and have the right challenge level for those with ADRD. Although limited by small sample size, this study highlights the need for increasing engagement in meaningful volunteer activities to help others which recent research demonstrates could positively impact physical and cognitive health outcomes.