Evaluating the impact of an 8-week outpatient memory clinic program for people living with dementia and their care partner: a pilot study.

The clinic consists of a clinic room, meeting room, activity space and gym area. The programs will be designed to meet the needs of the clients following an initial clinical interview with a nurse practitioner (NP) or registered nurse (RN). The clinical interview determine the person’s goals, likes and focus areas (such as balance, strength, socialisation, quality of life etc.) to assist in allocating them to the clinics various programs (as described below). • Programs will consist of the following face-to-face sessions held at the clinic: Carer support group delivered by a mental health RN in the meeting room (RN) (60 minutes, every month). The carer support group focuses on topics such as carer stress, grief, dementia, transitions of care. The conversation is directed by the carers and facilitated by the mental health RN. • Group yoga delivered by a trainer yoga instructor and RN in the gym area (30 minutes). The yoga is a low intensity class, with the instructor modifying the exercises to suit individual participant. • Group and individual exercise interventions delivered by an exercise physiologist in the gym area (30- 60 minutes). The exercise sessions range from low to medium intensity (based on the individual). Exercises ranges from body weight exercises, resistance bands, treadmill, exercise bike, weights. The exercises are modified to suit individual participants • Group and individual EnhaneMind sessions (60 to 180 minutes), deliver by an NP and RN in the activity room. EnhanceMind is a comprehensive program designed to provide tailored support and stimulation for people with dementia. The program integrates the benefits of cognitive exercises (such as brain games) with artistic expression and social interaction. Materials for these sessions include painting, clay, craft, drawing material, puzzles, legos, and games. The EnhanceMind sessions are designed and tailored weekly by the NP and RN to match the abilities and interests of the individual participants. • As required appointment with a NP or RN to discuss health and wellbeing issues (30-90 minutes) held in the clinic room as requested by the participants Participants will attend the clinic weekly, for one to four hours, for eight weeks. Participants can choose how long they spend in the clinic each week. Session attendance (including length of time at each session) will be recorded for all participants.