Use of photovoice with people with younger onset dementia.

Photography is a tool that has been used in research for many years. It allows people to create a record of an event, capture a complex phenomenon or to tell a story with pictures. Because it does not rely on language, it can be used with vulnerable populations who might not normally be included in research. This paper discusses the use of photography as one component of the evaluation strategy for a project that provided an opportunity for people with younger onset dementia to return to the workplace one day per week. Participants in the workplace project used photography to create a record of their experience of returning to the workplace. Based on the nature of the participant's comments, photographs were grouped into four broad areas: impact of dementia, impact on family, the work experience and new friends. Issues related to the use of photography with people who have dementia are explored based on the experiences gained during this project.

Evaluation of a workplace engagement project for people with younger onset dementia.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: In 2011, a workplace project was established to provide a small group of people who had younger onset dementia with the opportunity to return to the workplace. The project sought to explore the feasibility and safety of engaging these younger people in workplace activities if an appropriate framework of support was provided. BACKGROUND: Opportunities to engage in meaningful activities are quite limited for younger people with dementia because services are targeted at an older client population. DESIGN: A qualitative exploratory approach was used for the project evaluation. METHOD: Participants were people who were 65 years or younger and had a diagnosis of dementia. They attended a large metropolitan hardware store one day per week and worked beside a store employee for a four hour work shift. Evaluation of the project included observation of participant's engagement in the workplace, adverse events and a qualitative analysis that used participant-nominated good project outcomes. RESULTS: Nine people with a mean age of 58·8 years participated in the project. Six of these participants have been engaged at the workplace for more than two years. All participants were able to gain the skills needed to complete their respective work duties. Participants initially assisted with simple work tasks, but over time, they were able to expand their range of duties to include more complex activities such as customer sales. Participants achieved their nominated good outcomes of improved well-being, engaging in worthwhile activities, contributing to society and socialisation. CONCLUSION: The evaluation has shown that this workplace programme is a viable model of engagement for younger people with dementia. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This evaluation offers a practical demonstration that it is feasible and safe to provide opportunities for younger people with dementia to engage in meaningful activities in the community if appropriate support is provided.

Side by Side: a workplace engagement program for people with younger onset dementia.

This paper describes an innovative demonstration program called Side by Side that was initiated to assess the feasibility of supported workplace engagement for people with younger onset dementia. Seven people with mild dementia work one day per week beside a work-buddy in a large metropolitan hardware store. Work-buddies are store employees who have undergone dementia training. Work duties are negotiated at the start of each shift and include restocking, plant care, assembling display stock and serving customers. All participants have been able to adapt to the workplace environment and some now talk about 'their customers'. Family carers have reported a positive impact on self-esteem and life satisfaction as a result of the workplace experience. This evaluation of feasibility has exceeded all expectations and has demonstrated that it is possible to offer meaningful activities for people with mild dementia if an appropriate framework of support is provided.