Impact of DementiaGo in residential homes

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    What is the impact of DementiaGo in residential homes on residents, relatives and staff?

  • IRAS ID

    254372

  • Contact name

    Katherine Algar-Skaife

  • Contact email

    k.algar@bangor.ac.uk

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 8 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    The WHO Global Recommendations on Physical Activity recommend at least 150 minutes a week of physical activity for adults aged over 65 (WHO, 2010). However, evidence suggests that residents in care home settings spend the majority of their day in a sedentary state with little interaction with care staff (Sackley et al., 2006). This can have an adverse effect on the physical and psychological health, as well as the quality of life of residents (Forster et al., 2017). However, research indicates that a low level of exercise or physical activity can improve the mental well-being of older people (Windle, 2014). DementiaGo will therefore aim to increase the physical activity of residents in residential care home across Gwynedd, and in turn improve the well-being and quality of life of residents.

    A recent study has found that care staff do not relate to the terms ‘increase physical activity’ as they expect that this is something achieved through a specific class or activity with an activity coordinator in the home rather than an aim they can contribute to (Forster et al., 2017). The DementiaGo team will therefore explore their aim through using terms such as ‘improving movement’ of residents.

    Focussing on three residential homes in Gwynedd, the researcher will conduct qualitative interviews with residents, family members, and care staff in each home to explore the impact of DementiaGo on physical activity and quality of life of residents.

  • REC name

    Wales REC 5

  • REC reference

    19/WA/0067

  • Date of REC Opinion

    28 Feb 2019

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion