Intergenerational programmes are formal activities for bringing generations together in a meaningful way. They enhance social connectedness for people living with dementia and help young people to communicate better with people living with dementia. While intergenerational programmes are currently available in Ireland, there is a lack of research into their development, process, or outcomes. The aim of this project is to identify the key components needed to develop a dementia inclusive intergenerational programme in Ireland that will enhance social connectivity and quality of life (QoL) for people living with dementia; generate empathy and understanding in young people; and identify the barriers and facilitators to intergenerational programme delivery. This will be achieved through three work packages:
A qualitative evidence synthesis exploring the views and perspectives of staff, caregivers, and family members of intergenerational programmes inclusive of people living with dementia. This will add to the evidence of a previous review exploring the views of young people and people living with dementia.
A qualitative process evaluation to identify and examine pre-existing intergenerational programmes in Ireland. We will identify current programmes available in Ireland, that are inclusive of people with dementia, and using developed and agreed criteria select one for in-depth examination.
Building on the finding of the first two work packages, a co creation team to develop, or adapt and existing, inclusive intergenerational programme will be established. This team will include people with dementia and young people and other partners*.
Our project team will include PPI co-applicants who will advise and contribute to the appropriateness of our research processes across the three work packages. At project completion we will have a co-created, evidence informed, bespoke intergenerational programme ready for pilot testing in a future feasibility study and subsequent definitive trial to test impact on social connectedness and QoL.
*we use the term partners rather than stakeholders