The Memory Bridge Initiative on Service Learners

Wescott, Amy; Healy, Tara C.

doi:10.1080/03601271003608860

Cited by 10 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Our study also adds to another gap in the literature through exploring intergenerational programming with a specific focus on the experiences of the children participants (Galbraith et al., 2015). While previous studies have also highlighted positive attitudes of children towards older adults in intergenerational programming interventions (Burgman & Mulvaney, 2016; McNair & Moore, 2010; Wescott & Healy, 2011; Xaverius & Mathews, 2003), our study builds on and adds to this work both in terms of study design and findings. In comparison to other studies of intergenerational programming, our study involved a very high number of interactions between the children and older adults (i.e.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 74%

It takes time: Building relationships and understanding through an intergenerational ballet programme

2018

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Individuals living in long-term residential care homes are often viewed through a negative lens. These residents have increasingly complex care needs, and their functional, communication and cognitive challenges can support conceptualizations of difference and disability perpetuating negative stereotypes of age and dementia. However, engaging in meaningful activities and relationships with older adults, including those with dementia, has been shown to promote positive attitudes. Specifically, intergenerational programming that provides opportunities for meaningful engagement between children and older adults has been shown to support positive emotional experiences through socializing and building relationships. This qualitative study explored the development of relationships between school-aged children and older adults with dementia living in a long-term residential care home. Residents in long-term care homes and children typically have limited opportunities to interact with each other; in this study, participating in an intergenerational dance programme provided an opportunity for meaningful relationships to develop. This paper focuses on the development of the children's attitudes and understandings of their much older dance partners. Seven girls between the ages of seven and nine participated in ballet classes with residents in a long-term care home for one hour each week over a six-month period. All of the residents had a diagnosis of moderate to advanced dementia. Further, all of the residents also had other chronic health issues such as cardiac, respiratory and/or neurological diseases. The children were interviewed at the baseline, three-and six-month intervals. Prior to beginning the dance programme, the children anticipated their dance partners to be unwell and unable. However, by the end of six months, the children described the residents much more positively highlighting their abilities and strengths. Over time, through participating in a structured intergenerational programme, the children's views of disability and difference disappeared as they formed dance partnerships and developed meaningful relationships.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 74%

It takes time: Building relationships and understanding through an intergenerational ballet programme

2018

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“…All studies focused on completed Intergenerational programmes except one that sought perspectives for the planning of an intervention. Two independent studies evaluated the Memory Bridge Initiative (MBI), which aims ‘to develop qualities in young people that enhance care of older adults with dementia’ ( Wescott & Healy, 2011 , p. 311). Other interventions included a dance programme, creative sessions, mentorship programmes, architectural design and more nonspecific Intergenerational programmes.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Findings reveal that as older people living with dementia and younger people become more comfortable, and gain familiarity with each other, positive relationships can develop ( Canning et al, 2020 ; Dusman, 2020 ; George, 2011 ; McNair & Moore, 2010 ; Seo, 2006 ; Wescott & Healy, 2011 ). The duration of the intervention could impact on this, as the majority of the students in the study by Wescott and Healy (2011) felt that four weekly visits was inadequate for building relationships with older companions.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The experiences and perceptions of young people and older people living with dementia of participating in intergenerational programmes: A qualitative evidence synthesis

et al. 2022

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Background Intergenerational programmes are formal activities bringing different generations together and have been identified as a way to help people living with dementia to stay socially connected. While there is some evidence from individual studies as to their benefits, there is no overall coherent account as to the perceptions and experiences of participants who engage in such programmes. This review synthesises qualitative evidence of the experiences and perceptions of young people and older people living with dementia of participating in such programmes. Methods We searched EBSCO CINAHL, OVID Medline, Embase, Ovid PsycINFO, the Web of Science, Epistemonikos and grey literature sources. We used thematic synthesis to analyse and synthesise the evidence in to four themes, with 11 key findings. We assessed our confidence in each of these findings using the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach. Findings Our review highlights the potential enjoyment for young people and older people living with dementia when participating in Intergenerational programmes, despite some initial trepidation. These programmes provide an opportunity to establish and develop relationships and for young people to learn about dementia, ageing and how to interact with older people living with dementia. However, it is important to have staff facilitators present to provide reassurance to both groups. It is also important to take the personal preferences of participants into account and to be considerate of noise levels and other aspects of programme delivery that may inhibit engagement. Conclusion This is the first qualitative evidence synthesis specifically exploring Intergenerational programmes aimed at older people living with dementia. We provide insights into the perspectives of those who have participated in Intergenerational programmes. It is important to consider these views, together with other evidence of effectiveness, when planning Intergenerational programmes. While our review is limited by a small number of studies from only a few countries, we have moderate to high confidence in our findings. Further research into the development of Intergenerational programmes specifically tailored for people living with dementia is needed. The findings also provide guidance for people planning to deliver or design future Intergenerational programmes.

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“…In addition to personal growth and self‐efficacy, several studies have noted an increase in college and high school students’ empathy as a result of a service‐learning experience (Hess and Fila ; Lundy ; Toews and Cerny ; Westcott and Healy ; Wilson ). Empathy is typically described as the capacity to try to see the world through someone else's eyes.…”

Section: Affective Domainmentioning

confidence: 99%