Evaluation of Dementia Actif, a dementia-friendly exercise and wellbeing programme: mixed-methods study

Abstract

BackgroundDementia Actif provides group physical activity opportunities to support and enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia (PLWD) and their carers. The activities offer include physical exercise classes, Boccia league, online activities, and various clubs (eg, gardening). The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the Dementia Actif programme delivered in one local authority area in North Wales, UK. MethodsA mixed-methods evaluation of Dementia Actif focused on four key workstreams (WS). Data collection took place between January and June, 2023. WS1 consisted of a rapid literature review. The search included articles and grey literature published between 2012 and 2022. All study designs were included, with keywords limited to the English Language. CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycInfo, ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science were searched. WS2 consisted of interviews and focus groups with professional stakeholders (n=32) from Health, Social Care, and Third Sector services who refer PLWD to Dementia Actif, within one local authority area in North Wales. WS3 consisted of researcher observation of activities delivered by the Dementia Actif Service , including exercise classes and wellbeing activities within leisure centres across the local authority area. WS4 consisted of interviews with PLWD and their carers (n=12) who accessed Dementia Actif, including analysing specific case studies. FindingsFollowing the screening process, the final literature sample included 18 papers. The sample papers, from the UK, USA, and Canada, were reviewed and analysed to inform the findings. The findings from the rapid literature review showed a lack of global evidence of approaches focused on measuring social interaction, wellbeing, and building on community assets to address the needs of PLWD and their unpaid carers. Results from SW2–WS4 indicated the positive impact of an active/wellbeing model for supporting PLWD and their carers, in particular the use of preventive community-based resources to support unpaid carers and reduce the need for admission to acute secondary and residential care. InterpretationThe analysis indicates the benefits of low-cost social activities on overall wellbeing outcomes, including giving PLWD and their carers voice, choice, and control over their own wellbeing outcomes to connect them with their community. This evaluation argues the potential to use Dementia Actif approaches to address complex needs. However, this was based on a small sample, which might impact on the broader applicability of the findings. FundingGwynedd County Council, North Wales.