“It's easy being together”: Creating a shared space of belonging within a day program

It is common for a dementia diagnosis to result in a diminution of social relationships and reduced opportunities for social engagement, putting individuals living with dementia at an increased risk of loneliness. Adult day programs provide a space for individuals with dementia to socialize with people who have a shared diagnosis. Previous research on day programs has primarily focused on their potential to reduce participants' responsive behaviours and improve their functional abilities while providing respite for care partners. The potential of day programs to alleviate loneliness by contributing to a sense of belonging has received relatively little attention. In this paper, we share findings from a narrative study during which we heard stories of belonging from program participants. Specifically, using a composite narrative, we highlight the relational capacity of individuals with dementia to engage in mutually rewarding social experiences conducive for belonging. Our findings have implications for better understanding the social benefits brought about by day programs and the role they play in helping to prevent loneliness after a dementia diagnosis.