Adherence to a telehealth program for older adults with dementia and their caregivers: A mixed-methods study

The objectives were to analyze the association between the cognitive performance of older adults/caregivers, adherence to a telehealth program and investigate reasons for dropouts, retention and adherence. A mixed-methods study was conducted involving 41 older adults diagnosed with dementia who participated in a 12-week telehealth program that offered physical exercises for the older adults and psychoeducation for the caregivers. Cognitive performance, adherence rates, benefits and reasons for withdrawal, retention and adherence were determined with the aid of questionnaires, field records, and focus groups. No significant association was found between the adherence rate and cognitive performance. The main reason for dropouts was the occurrence of illness during the intervention. The reasons for adherence were the convenience of the online program and the fact that the program was free of cost. The benefits were improvements in the wellbeing, mood of the older adults and the mitigation of progressive symptoms of dementia.