Evaluating Adult Day Programs for Older Adults with Dementia and Their Caregivers A Study Across Four Canadian Provinces

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of adult day programs on older adults living with dementia and their family or friend caregivers across four Canadian provinces Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario. The study aims to understand how day program attendance influences the quality of life and mental health of attendees and caregivers, as well as how different program characteristics and social identities relate to these outcomes. This observational study compares day program users and non-users to explore patterns of care and health outcomes in this population. Participants include older adults aged 65 and above with dementia who either attend an adult day program or receive other community-based continuing care services, along with their primary caregivers. The study gathers comprehensive data through surveys at baseline and follow-ups after one and two years, combined with health administrative records. Day program characteristics such as staffing and programming will be assessed, and participants will be grouped by levels of day program usage. During the study, participants will complete quality of life and mental health surveys at the start and at one- and two-year intervals. Researchers will also track cognitive and physical changes, time to admission into continuing care homes, and healthcare use including emergency visits and hospital stays over up to 2.5 years. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a detailed understanding of how adult day programs support older adults with dementia and their caregivers over time.

Assessing the Impact of DAy Programs on Individuals Living with Dementia and Their Family/friend Caregivers