The Co-design of the Dementia Lifestyle Intervention to get healthy together (DELIGHT) program: An authentic partnership approach.

Abstract

Improving supports to enhance wellbeing of people living with dementia is a priority. Engaging people living with dementia, care partners, and other stakeholders in development of interventions increases the likelihood they will be relevant and impactful. We describe the participatory approach used to co-design the Dementia Lifestyle Intervention for Getting Healthy Together (DELIGHT) program, which aims to promote the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and care partners. The DELIGHT project was guided by a team of researchers, people living with dementia, care partners, and an Alzheimer Society representative. The co-design team included additional people living with dementia, care partners, exercise professionals, dietitians, health care professionals, and community service providers (n = 29). The co-design was planned for in-person but was transitioned to six online, 1.5-h sessions due to COVID-19 related restrictions. We used breakout rooms for discussion, with people living with dementia in each breakout room. Co-design meetings focused on identifying target population and outcomes and developing program components and structure. Two or three guiding questions focused discussion in each meeting. The final co-design session focused on the overall structure of the DELIGHT program. Program resources were iteratively designed with the research team, co-design team, and other external stakeholders. The result of the co-design process was the DELIGHT program, an 8-week, twice weekly program designed to promote living well with dementia for people living with dementia and care partners. Each session includes 50-60 minutes of exercise and 20-30 minutes of facilitated, shared learning with an associated resource. A healthy snack may be offered. Shared learning focuses on healthy eating, sleeping well, mental well-being, social connection, and physical activity. Our vision is that the co-designed DELIGHT program will promote the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and care partners, increasing the likelihood of living well with dementia.