Evaluating the feasibility and perceived benefits of enhanced group activity kits for engaging persons living with dementia at home: A pilot study

Background Providing meaningful activities to persons living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias in home settings is challenging because it typically involves the expense of professionals instructing the caregivers. Enhanced group activity kits (EGAKs) have been shown to enhance the wellbeing of persons living with dementia (PLwD) in group settings. Objective To investigate the feasibility and potential benefits of EGAKs in one-on-one settings without the expense of visiting professionals. Methods Recruitment started with 75 referrals, from nursing agencies, family caregivers’ support groups, a health services organization for older persons and their families, and an occupational therapists WhatsApp group, resulting in 34 family caregivers from greater Tel Aviv and Jerusalem metropolitans, Israel, completing a baseline interview. From those who completed the baseline interview, 16 PLwD experienced EGAKs with facilitators (family members, formal caregivers, or friends). Facilitators completed EGAKs-related questionnaires and a post-EGAKs-use interview. This mixed methods study includes a quantitative analysis of the EGAKs’ facilitators’ perceptions of the extent of success and an inductive content analysis to identify EGAKs’ benefits and potential outcomes. Results For most PLwD, one-on-one EGAKs were perceived as successful, making PLwDs’ and facilitators’ shared time more interesting and enjoyable. Four EGAKs’ use benefits emerged: Affecting mood, feelings, and emotions; Affecting cognition and behavior; Shifts in perceptions; and improving communication and relationship between the PLwD and facilitators. Conclusions When used in a home setting, EGAKs are often feasible and are often perceived to increase PLwDs’ engagement in activities and improve their wellbeing.