Examining the Perceived Effects of an Adult Day Program for Individuals With Dementia and Their Caregivers: A Qualitative Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Currently 564 000 Canadians are living with dementia, and this number is expected to rise significantly in the next 15 years. Many individuals with dementia use adult day programs; however, contradictory evidence exists as to the effects that adult day programs have on individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

PURPOSE/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived effects that an adult day program had on individuals with dementia and their caregivers, from the perspective of care providers at an adult day program.

DESIGN: A qualitative research design was used to guide this study.

METHODS: One-on-one semistructured interviews were completed with all of the adult day program care providers (n = 7). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: The adult day program care providers identified several benefits of adult day programs for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Two themes emerged, including (1) the role of care providers and (2) time to breathe.

CONCLUSIONS: Adult day programs have the potential to benefit caregivers and care recipients. Other community support programs may be able to use the knowledge gained from this qualitative study to implement strategies into existing adult day programs to provide support for care recipients and caregivers.