Impact of a dementia-specific program of equine-assisted activities: providers’ perspectives
Quality in Ageing and Older Adults
ISSN: 1471-7794
Article publication date: 14 May 2019
Issue publication date: 11 July 2019
Abstract
Purpose
Establishing acceptability of complex interventions to stakeholders is vital in early scientific development. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the acceptability of a program of equine-assisted activities (EAAP) for people with dementia by elucidating programmatic practices needed to enhance their safety and quality of life (QoL) from the perspectives of service providers.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews with five providers were analyzed using a basic qualitative approach.
Findings
Providers perceived the EAAP as acceptable and revealed potential mechanisms of change supporting well-being, including aspects related to the physical and social environment and person with dementia. Linkages identified among the EAAP and its physical and social context support its complexity. Providers explicated program practices that promoted safety and QoL, such as implementing staff trainings and tailoring activities to each person’s preferences and needs. These practices aligned with best dementia care approaches, underscoring that the EAAP is a promising complex intervention that merits further scientific development.
Originality/value
This work is novel and adds to the literature by illuminating the role of a community-based, animal-assisted program for enhancing the QoL of older adults with dementia residing in institutional care facilities.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by the Carl and Caroline Swanson Foundation.
With permission, the authors acknowledge the Temple Grandin Equine Center, Seven Lakes Memory Care, Hearts and Horses Therapeutic Riding Center for their incredibly generous support to the research.
Citation
Fields, B., Wood, W. and Lassell, R. (2019), "Impact of a dementia-specific program of equine-assisted activities: providers’ perspectives", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 37-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAOA-10-2018-0047
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited