Grant: Operating Grant: Social Inclusion of individuals with dementia and carers

People with dementia and their carers experience barriers to meaningful social inclusion across a range of settings. Addressing these issues requires the development and evaluation of accessible, non-stigmatizing and affordable interventions that facilitate social inclusion in the home, communities and institutional settings across urban and rural Canada. A growing body of research suggests that arts-based health interventions can improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers; however, little is known about how these programs might address social inclusion specifically. The proposed research focuses on the potential of an innovative arts-based intervention, the National Ballet School of Canada's Sharing Dance for Seniors Program, to improve the social inclusion of people living with dementia and their carers. What is unique about the Sharing Dance Program is its emphasis on making dance accessible through in-person (live), on-line (live-streamed) and blended (in-person and live-streamed) dance outreach engagement sessions. The research will examine the experiences of people living with dementia and their carers participating in the program as well as assess the effectiveness of the multi-modal delivery of the program and the challenges of expanding and sustaining the program. The study will involve pilot studies of Sharing Dance for Seniors in Peterborough, Ontario and Brandon, Manitoba featuring in-depth observations and weekly diaries with program participants as well as focus groups and interviews with program participants, coordinators, instructors and volunteers. Ultimately, the research seeks to improve social inclusion for people with dementia and their carers where they live.