Dementia care partners’ reported outcomes after adaptive riding: a theoretical thematic analysis
Quality in Ageing and Older Adults
ISSN: 1471-7794
Article publication date: 16 March 2022
Issue publication date: 9 June 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This case study aims to explore the appropriateness of an adaptive riding program for persons living with dementia through examining family members’ (care partners) reported outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
Using convenience sampling, persons living with dementia and their care partners were recruited in Northern Colorado; after meeting inclusion criteria, they were invited to participate in the adaptive riding program. The program occurred for weekly, hour-long sessions for eight weeks. Field notes were collected during each session, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with five care partners after the program and analyzed by using theoretical thematic analysis.
Findings
Care partners found the adaptive riding program appropriate. Reported outcomes comprised three themes: well-being, meaning through social connections and function in daily life and aligned with the positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment (PERMA) theory of well-being.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the appropriateness of an adaptive riding program for persons living with dementia and their care partners who broadened understandings of the emotional, social and physical benefits. Findings support the inclusion of care partners in adaptive riding and may inform health-care providers’ recommendations for such programs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge Hearts and Horses Therapeutic Riding Center and the care partners who shared their experiences to make this study possible. Declaration of conflicting interests: This study occurred under the Temple Grandin Equine Center at Colorado State University and was supported by the Carl and Caroline Swanson Foundation and the Catalyst for Innovative Partnerships at Colorado State University. Funder’s role: The funder did not have a role in the design, methods, data acquisition, collection, and analysis and the preparation of the paper.
Citation
Lassell, R., Fields, B., Cross, J.E. and Wood, W. (2022), "Dementia care partners’ reported outcomes after adaptive riding: a theoretical thematic analysis", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 14-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAOA-01-2022-0007
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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