A qualitative evaluation of the impact of a Good Life Club on people living with dementia and care partners

Abstract

Background Research suggests there is a lack of post-diagnostic support to enable people living with dementia to fulfil social and active lives throughout their dementia journey. Gardening has been found to have many benefits for people living with dementia. Although such research is important, most research frames people with dementia as passive recipients of stimulation. Research into the impact of a community-based gardening group, where people living with dementia are active in the development of an outdoor space, is underdeveloped. Knowledge about the impact of participating in such groups is also sparse. The Good Life Club (GLC) was co-developed and evaluated to respond to these gaps. Objectives The primary aim of this article is to present the findings regarding the impact of attending the GLC on the self-reported well-being for people living with dementia and care partners. Methods Qualitative data were collected via 22 semi-structured interviews. Fourteen interviews were conducted before the GLC and eight after the GLC. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Dementia Care Mapping data were collected to supplement the interview data. Findings Four key themes were identified. The first was that participants considered having active participation in social life to be a key aspect of living a good life. The second was that the way that the GLC was set up and delivered gave the participants ownership of the GLC and within this they felt able to contribute. The third was the importance of social connectedness and peer support to the well-being of both people living with dementia and care partners. Fourth, positive mood and well-being was directly experienced through gardening. Conclusions The combination of long-term investment of time and energy to the GLC, ongoing friendships and in-session autonomy act as key ingredients in creating a group that is relaxed, full of humour and highly valued.

Factors associated with social participation in Brazilian older adults with Alzheimer’s disease: A correlational, cross‐sectional study

“…From the clinical standpoint, it is important to identify factors that may be involved in lower social participation among older adults with AD and distinguish those that are modifiable in order to adopt effective intervention strategies. Studies have shown that physical intervention (Gbiri & Amusa, 2020) and social activities (Morris et al., 2021) are effective at promoting greater social participation among older adults with dementia. Technological interventions that enable social interaction are also effective for older adults with and without dementia (Heins et al., 2021).…”

‘I want every minute to be worthwhile now’: The views and experiences of people living with dementia and their care partners about returning to in-person group meetings after COVID-19 lockdown restrictions

“…Living well with dementia is supported by policy ( Department of Health & Social Care, 2015 ) and requires access to mental, physical and social engagement opportunities ( Alzheimer Society, 2013 ). Social groups for people living with dementia in the community can promote wellbeing through fostering a sense of belonging, creating a sense of achievement and purpose, providing opportunities for enjoyable and stimulating engagement and supporting positive and reciprocal relationships ( Innes et al, 2021 , Morris et al, 2021 ). However, the measures introduced by the UK Government in March 2020, and to varying degrees around the world, to reduce individuals’ social contact and limit the spread of COVID-19, led to community groups closing their doors and the reduction of vital support networks.…”