The Challenges of Developing a Participatory Arts Intervention for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE We describe the development and challenges in implementing a web-based participatory art intervention specifically designed for caregivers of persons with dementia to use at home with their loved one.   Method: An interprofessional team, including an experienced national panel of artists, developed a participatory arts toolkit consisting of seven web-based modules involving a combination of music, singing, dancing, poetry, and painting. Participants completed a survey of demographics, caregiver needs, and caregiver burden.  Results: Thirty caregivers with high caregiver needs and a high caregiver burden volunteered to pilot the intervention. Difficulties with caregiver recruitment and compliance with lesson plans were noted. Caregivers provided positive and negative qualitative feedback.   Discussion: The challenges and possible solutions to the problems identified in the implementation and assessment of this participatory arts intervention will provide important insights for future studies linking the arts and dementia care.