Feasibility and acceptability of virtual programs for people with dementia and their caregivers.
BMC Geriatr
; 24(1): 783, 2024 Sep 25.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39322955
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Oshawa Senior Community Centres (OSCC55 +) virtual programs (VP) in addressing the needs for social connection and interaction for people with dementia (PWD) and their informal caregivers (ICG).BACKGROUND:
During the pandemic, PWD faced increased loneliness and reduced social interaction due to a loss of community programs. The OSCC55 + developed VPs to combat social isolation and provide respite for ICG. These efforts highlight the importance of accessible, and technology-based VPs for maintaining social connectedness for PWD.METHODS:
A qualitative interpretive research design with PWD (n = 14) interviews and ICG focus group and one-on-one interviews (n = 11). This research explored the lived experiences of PWD and their ICG, examining the feasibility and acceptability of the VPs.RESULTS:
The PWD and ICG interviews provided insight into the positive impacts of VP, challenges of VP, program barriers, program facilitating factors, and suggestions for future improvement for the OSCC55 + VPs. Participants highlighted that the VP created an option for them to remain socially connected to their community; while also outlining the positive impact on reducing loneliness, challenges with technology use, the importance of involving younger generations and volunteers, and the need for more culturally inclusive programs.CONCLUSIONS:
The VP developed by OSCC55 + were perceived as effective and useful for PWD and their ICG, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and relieving caregiving tasks. These findings suggest that VP can complement in-person programs in the future, offering a hybrid model that leverages the strengths of both approaches to better meet the needs of PWD and ICG.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Estudos de Viabilidade
/
Cuidadores
/
Demência
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article