Abstract
With the intention of creating inclusive spaces for marginalized older adults, namely those living with mental health challenges (MHC), a health promotion program was adapted and implemented in community recreation centers (RC). This 10-week program, named Count me in!, aims to support community participation through group discussion and reflexive activities, and a strength-based approach. The next step of this action research aimed to document its initial acceptability and feasibility. A descriptive qualitative approach was used. The program was implemented in two RCs, in different cities in the province of Quebec, in Canada. Program participants (n=10) were submitted to interviews and filled out questionnaires, before and after the program. Facilitators (n = 4) took notes during each group session and were also interviewed, as were RC activity coordinators (n=2). A thematic data analysis was conducted. Dimensions of acceptability (such as perceived program effectiveness, efforts required to participate and values conveyed by the program) obtained a positive evaluation by participants as well as facilitators. Feasibility was facilitated when program implementation conditions within RCs (logistics for example) required little or no additional resources. Facilitators greatly appreciated “mixing” older adults, some living with an MHC and others not. In addition, recognition of the RC’s expertise by the community turned out to be an asset. Therefore, the implementation of the Count me in! program in RCs seems to have a good potential for becoming an inclusive space for older adults living with an MHC.
Presenters
Ginette AubinAssociated Professor (retired), Occupational Therapy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Quebec, Canada Marie-Michèle Lord
Professeur, Ergothérapie, Universite du Québec à Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2024 Special Focus—Diversity Over Time: Changes in Individual, Organizational, and Place Contexts
KEYWORDS
Inclusive Spaces, Program Implementation, Mental Health Challenges, Community Participation
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