"Here everyone is the same" - a qualitative evaluation of participating in a Boccia (indoor bowling) group: innovative practice

Ovenden, Imogen; Dening, Tom; Beer, Charlotte

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the impact of a Boccia (modified indoor bowls) group on the lives of people with dementia and their carers. Semi-structured interviews with people with dementia (N=6), carers (N=10) and the group organisers (N=6) analysed using thematic analysis revealed four main themes. ‘The struggle of being a carer’ was relieved by participating in the group and benefiting from the caring support and social aspects of “This group is a family”. “The unique nature of Boccia” helped it to provide physical and mental stimulation as well as being an inclusive and enjoyable group. These aspects contributed to many participants describing the group as a Dementia friendly environment where “Here everyone is the same:” treated as equals, without feeling hindered or defined by dementia. Boccia appears an exciting initiative but further research is needed to see if these findings can be replicated with other groups.

Citation

Ovenden, I., Dening, T., & Beer, C. (in press). "Here everyone is the same" - a qualitative evaluation of participating in a Boccia (indoor bowling) group: innovative practice. Dementia, https://doi.org/10.1177/1471301216675988

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 27, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Oct 21, 2016
• Deposit Date: Oct 4, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 21, 2016
• Journal: Dementia
• Print ISSN: 1471-3012
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-2684
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1471301216675988
• Keywords: Boccia, Dementia, Dementia Friendly, Exercise, People with Dementia
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/822348
• Publisher URL: http://dem.sagepub.com/content/early/2016/10/21/1471301216675988