Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Dementia care

Background:

• Equine-assisted activities are known to reduce stress and improve quality of life for individuals with dementia in long-term care (LTC).
• The R.E.A.P. (Recreational Equine Assisted Participaction) program was launched in Ontario, Canada, in 2024, offering sensory engagement with horses for LTC residents.
• No prior evaluation of equine-assisted activities for Canadian LTC residents with dementia existed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility of the R.E.A.P. program in LTC settings.
• To assess the acceptability of equine-assisted activities among residents and staff.
• To observe the effects of the R.E.A.P. program on individuals with dementia in LTC.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative description combined with quantitative feasibility and observation data.
• Data collection included session frequency, duration, resident engagement, and interactions.
• Interviews with residents and staff were conducted via in-person, phone, or videoconferencing.

Main Results:

• 12 participants (9 residents, 3 staff) completed the study; all sessions were attended.
• Residents showed high attentiveness (79%) and interaction (88%) with horses during sessions.
• Interviews indicated that sessions fostered relationships, emotional connections, enjoyment, and reminiscing.

Conclusions:

• The R.E.A.P. program demonstrated positive impacts on residents' emotional well-being, social engagement, and quality of life.
• Equine therapy shows potential for enriching the lives of LTC residents with dementia.
• The study supports the integration of equine-assisted activities in dementia care.