Feasibility and evaluation of the Dementia Engagement Modelling Program (DEMP): a novel model of aged care during COVID-19

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on the quality of life of aged care residents living with dementia (RLWD). Lockdown measures necessary to protect RLWD and caring staff from COVID-19 have resulted in increased social isolation, loneliness, and behaviors and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In response, the Australian Government funded a pilot program, the Dementia Engagement Modelling Program (DEMP) as part of the Aged Care COVID-19 Grief and Trauma support package for RLWD, their families and aged care staff. Operated by the Dementia Centre of HammondCare, the DEMP provides first-line multimodal external support for RLWD at a greater risk of developing BPSD due to COVID-19 restrictions. This study aims to describe the DEMP and evaluate its feasibility and outcomes for Australian RLWD.

METHODS: A team of 10 trained DEMP consultants was involved in delivering a consultancy service that modelled best practice and person-centred activities of engagement to support staff in providing residents with meaningful purpose, comfort, and reassurance. Consultants also provided coaching and development opportunities for staff to enhance their knowledge regarding communication and engagement. Outcome measures included the regular administration of the Engagement in Preferred ActivitieS Scale (EPASS; ≥4-9 moderate-to-high engagement). A phone evaluation survey for supported residential aged care homes (RACHs) was conducted to determine the feasibility of DEMP.

RESULTS: A total of 60 residents (86.0 ± 7.8 y; 68% female) across 10 RACHs from three Australian states (VIC, NSW, QLD) was supported by DEMP between May and July 2021. More than half of the residents had Alzheimer's disease (n = 24, 40%) and vascular dementia (n = 7, 12%). Completed EPASS assessments (n = 389) demonstrated that the vast majority (64%-72%) of residents scored moderate-to-high engagement. All supported RACHs highly recommended the DEMP to other colleagues and rated the program highly for implementation feasibility including the recommended engagement activities/brokered items.

CONCLUSIONS: The DEMP is a novel, feasible and effective dementia-specific engagement modelling program for Australian RLWD in the era of COVID-19 pandemic.