Co-Designing the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project With End-Users and Key Stakeholders to Inform the Model of...

Objective: The GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project is an innovative, nature-based (green care) initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for people living with dementia and reducing caregiver burden in rural/regional Victoria, Australia. After funding success for the project concept, a co-design approach was employed to inform the implementation foundations of the project. This paper presents the co-design process undertaken to inform the development of the project's model of care and implementation. Methods: A participatory co-design approach was employed (November 2023-January 2024), involving two focus groups with caregivers and individuals living with dementia, and a consultation workshop with diverse stakeholders, including service providers, community representatives, advocacy groups and others. The thematic analysis guided by the socio-ecological framework was applied to the workshop notes and focus group transcripts. Results: The findings led to the development of an inclusive and culturally appropriate, person- and family-centred model of care. This model includes personnel and stakeholder education, screening and assessment/diagnosis, person-centred care planning, diverse green care-themed respite settings, activities, and accommodation to address the unique needs of persons living with dementia and caregivers. Findings also contributed to shaping the implementation roadmap, stakeholder engagement strategies and a mixed method evaluation framework. Conclusion: Co-designing the GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project with end-users and stakeholders ensured the model of care was contextually relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the lived experiences of rural dementia dyads. The findings provide a foundation for implementing sustainable, person-centred respite services that promote autonomy, well-being, and social connection with the view to improve dyad quality of life and reduce caregiver burden.