Enhanced group activity kits for persons living with dementia: a qualitative analysis of outcomes and mechanisms of action

Abstract Background Enhanced Group Activity Kits (EGAKs) were developed to maximize the impact of group activities for persons living with dementia while minimizing burden on activity leaders. Previous research has shown that the use of EGAKs significantly enhances the well-being of persons living with dementia compared with activities conducted by the same activity leaders without EGAKs. This paper examines EGAKs’ outcomes for persons living with dementia and the mechanisms that bring about these outcomes. Methods The study included six nursing care units and four senior day units for persons living with dementia in the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem metropolitan areas of Israel. Both research observers and activity leaders completed questionnaires concerning EGAKs’ impact on participants. Verbal responses to questionnaires completed after the activities were conducted were used in an inductive content analysis to identify themes concerning EGAKs’ impact and the mechanisms bringing about those outcomes. Results Research observers and activity leaders reported that the use of EGAKs resulted in participants experiencing happiness and positive mood, manifesting engagement with kit materials and actively participating in kit activities. At the group level, outcomes included participation in discussions (including reminiscing about personal stories) and involvement in social interactions. Four mechanisms were identified as contributing to these outcomes: (1) providing multiple avenues for participants to take active roles, (2) offering a wide range of EGAKs’ topics facilitated personal connection to the activities, (3) using diverse materials promoted engagement, and (4) tailoring the activities to participants’ abilities enabled participation by those with different cognitive, physical and sensory abilities. Conclusion EGAKs offer a scalable mechanism to improve activities for persons living with dementia in order to improve their well-being and practice and maintain existing abilities.