Desirable Length of Time for Engaging Clients with Moderate Dementia in Preferred Therapeutic Recreation Interventions: A Pilot Study

The primary aim of this pilot study was to determine the optimal length of time to engage older adults with moderate dementia in preferred therapeutic recreation interventions (TRIs). By elucidating the patterns of engagement within and between TRIs, this study offers valuable insights for recreation therapists (RTs), enabling them to more adeptly address the needs of this demographic. Key findings from the study indicate that TRIs with a duration of 35 minutes or less are more effective in promoting engagement among older adults with moderate dementia, compared to longer sessions. Higher engagement levels were also observed in programs that support independent participation, suggesting that autonomy plays a critical role in sustaining involvement. Moreover, TRIs designed for continuous participation, rather than those requiring invited or turn-based engagement, were associated with more favorable engagement outcomes. When examining patterns of social interaction, programs characterized by aggregate interactional formats yielded higher levels of engagement than those with more competitive or cooperative approaches. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying engagement in recreation settings and underscore the importance of program structure and delivery. The results inform practical recommendations for RTs, providing an evidence-informed rationale for selecting specific intervention types and optimizing program duration for individuals with moderate dementia. Suggestions are presented for future research projects.