Abstract

Background　In day care centers utilizing a mixed-care model, disparities in cognitive function and personal interests often lead to low engagement and passive participation in standardized group activities. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an "Interest-Oriented Classification" combined with an "Instant Course Switching Mechanism" on improving course participation and satisfaction among older adults.

 

Methods A single-group pre- and post-test design was conducted over a 10-week intervention period at a day care center in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The participants included 28 older adults with varying degrees of dementia and 7 care workers. The intervention involved establishing a dynamic/static preference classification system, implementing an autonomous mechanism allowing participants to switch activities instantly based on their interest, and providing stratified guidance by care workers based on participants' functional levels. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

 

Results Results indicated statistically significant improvements in Interest Fit (Z=-2.89, p=.004) and Actual Participation Opportunities (Z=-2.91, p=.004) among older adults. Satisfaction with course arrangements rated as satisfied or above increased from 85.7% to 96.2% for older adults and from 71.4% to 83.3% for care workers. Behaviorally, 7 instances of autonomous course switching were recorded, indicating the successful activation of participant autonomy.

 

Conclusions The interest-driven mechanism, which empowers older adults with the autonomy to choose activities, effectively overcomes the challenges of functional disparities in mixed-care settings. This person-centered strategy significantly enhances the quality of participation and emotional well-being of older adults with dementia.

 

Learning Objective(s)

1. Understanding the Effectiveness of Interest-Driven Mechanisms on Activity Participation among Seniors in Day Care Centers.

 

Keyword(s)

day care center; dementia care; activity participation; autonomy; social engagement