Swimming for dementia: An exploratory qualitative study: Innovative practice

Abstract

Swimming is a non-weight bearing form of exercise that can be enjoyable and promote physical fitness. This qualitative study investigated a local group established as part of a national dementia swimming initiative. Semi-structured interviews with people with dementia (N=4), carers or companions (N=4) and the organisers and facilitators of the group (N=6) were analysed using thematic analysis. This revealed four main themes: (1) the pleasure of swimming and its benefits as a form of exercise and for building confidence and empowering participants; (2) the importance of insight and empathy in creating a safe and secure experience; (3) the burden impact of dementia; and (4) how participants valued being part of a group 'all in the same boat'. 'Dementia friendly swimming' appears to be a valuable form of exercise but it requires considerable preparation and support to make it happen. KeywordsSwimming, dementia, dementia friendly, exercise, people with dementia Exercise interventions for people living with dementia have attracted increasing interest. Several of these have been shown to be beneficial, including walking, dance and football (Malthouse and Fox, 2014, Guzmán-García, Mukaetova-Ladinska and James et al., 2013, Carone, Tischler and Dening et al., 2016. Swimming offers a non-weight bearing activity which can improve physical fitness and reduce strain on joints compared to landbased exercise. For many people, including those with dementia, swimming will be also be a familiar activity associated with happy memories and thus it may be a very suitable form of exercise (Henwood, Neville, Baguley, Clifton and Beattie et al., 2015). There has been limited research around swimming and dementia, with just one recent controlled trial (Henwood, Neville, Baguley and BeattieHenwood et al., 2017). This study investigated a 12-week programme for residents of care homes and reported modest effects in slowing muscle weakness and behavioural and psychological symptoms.

How do community based dementia friendly initiatives work for people with dementia and their caregivers, and why? A rapid realist review

“…These resources then led to responses such as motivation, feeling like part of a group and confidence about participation during the activity. The second outcome, which was often combined with the first (active participation), was connecting with others and enjoying the activity together 44–53 . Examples were people with dementia who supported other participants, experienced good company and had fun together.…”

“…They combined their expertise in sports or creative activities with insights into dementia and complemented each other. Subsequently, they created team spirit and encouraged people with dementia and caregivers to reach maximum performance 44–53 . Another characteristic was regularity of activities in time and place and a fixed group, which provided a sense of routine 44,45,47,48 .…”

“…The stimulating community generated three outcomes: two for people with dementia and their caregivers and one for caregivers only. The first outcome was active participation in a group activity 44–47,49,51,52 . Examples included sport or singing in a choir, and the emphasis was on active involvement in the activity.…”

“…This MRPT describes how DFIs used physical exercise in a group 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 and exchanging and practising creative activities in a group 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 to create a stimulating community. Accompanying characteristics were instructors and peers, such as volunteers experienced in facilitating people with dementia.…”

Editorial: Innovative Practice

“…The expanded Innovative Practice Section in this issue presents an opportunity to explore this message further by drawing together seven articles examining the benefits of different activities, ranging from participating in sports such as swimming (Hobden, Swallow, Beer, & Dening, 2019) and Boccia (Ovenden, Dening, & Beer, 2019), to playing board games (Miltiades & Thatcher, 2019a, 2019b) and learning about marine archaeology (Cutler, Palma, & Innes, 2019) or practising graffiti art (Hicks, Carroll, Shanker, & El-Zeind, 2017). As Miltiades and Thatcher (2019b) point out, the ability to help others and share knowledge is an opportunity often denied to people with dementia.…”