Bowled Over Programme

Description

The “Bowled Over” programme at St. Joseph’s for people living with dementia demonstrates ethics-based practice in several key ways:
• Person-Centered Care: The programme prioritizes the individual needs and preferences of all the participants, ensuring that their dignity and autonomy are respected. This approach aligns with ethical principles of respect for persons and beneficence.
• Informed Consent: Participants and their families are provided with comprehensive information about the programme, allowing them to make informed decisions about participation. This practice upholds the ethical principle of autonomy.
• Confidentiality: The programme ensures that all personal and medical information of participants is kept confidential, adhering to ethical standards of privacy and confidentiality.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: The programme involves a team of healthcare professionals, and volunteers who support the bowlers through a holistic approach.
• Continuous Improvement: The programme regularly evaluates its practices and outcomes to ensure high standards of care. Feedback from participants and their families is used to make improvements, demonstrating a commitment to ethical practice and accountability.

These elements collectively ensure that the “Bowled Over” programme operates with a strong ethical foundation, providing compassionate and effective care for people living with dementia.

Aim of Initiative

The Bowled Over programme at St. Joseph’s is designed to provide people living with dementia with a meaningful and engaging experience while upholding strong ethical principles in its approach to care. At its core, the programme prioritizes person-centered care, ensuring that participants’ individual needs, preferences, and dignity are always respected. This fosters an environment where autonomy and well-being are central.

To support ethical integrity, informed consent is a key component—participants and their families receive comprehensive information about the programme, enabling them to make informed decisions about participation. Confidentiality is strictly maintained, safeguarding all personal and medical information to uphold privacy rights.

The programme operates through a multidisciplinary approach, involving healthcare professionals and volunteers who collectively contribute to a holistic experience that enhances social interaction and well-being. Additionally, continuous improvement is integral to its success—regular evaluation and feedback from participants and their families allow for ongoing refinements, ensuring the programme maintains high standards of care and ethical responsibility.

Who is it aimed at

The initiative is aimed at people post-diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment and their partner, loved one, friend or carer, who are living in the community and would like to take part in a sporting competitive activity supported by trained staff and volunteers.

The HSE Model of Care for Dementia (2023) has identified five strands of
post-diagnostic support which work together to address the ever-changing
needs of a person living with dementia and their families/carers:
(1) Understanding & Planning: supports are focused on providing information
to the person and carer/supporter, with specific interventions around future
planning and promoting understanding of the condition
(2) Staying Connected: focused on maintaining existing connections and
interventions which provide additional support to maintain emotional and
social connectedness
(3) Staying Health: specific focus on supporting healthy behaviours; in
addition, many post-diagnostic supports include strategies for preventing
distress and disability and promoting health and psycho-social wellbeing
(4) Supporting Cognition: interventions which can maintain cognitive abilities
as well as providing other benefits
(5) Supporting Emotional Well Being: supports and interventions, which can
enhance emotional wellbeing throughout the dementia continuum.
The Bowled Over Programme delivers on all 5 strands.

3 Steps critical to success

1. The values of St John of God Dementia care at St Joseph’s are hospitality, compassion and respect and to meet unmet needs in society. With compelling eagerness and creativity to create early pathways for people living with dementia to avail of, the concept of the Bowled Over Programme was piloted and is now an ongoing initiative delivered by St Joseph’s.
2. Partnering with the Shankill Lawn Bowling Club in the provision of premises and Bowling expertise as members are volunteering their time to assist us deliver this programme.
3. Recruitment of people living with dementia and their partners to take part. Advertising, word of mouth, and liaison with local memory clinics and other sector stakeholders was crucial in getting the word our there.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Resource and Funding Constraints: Running a high-quality, person-centered programme demands continuous funding for equipment, trained professionals, and venue maintenance. Securing long-term financial support can be challenging, and limited resources may impact the scope and reach of the initiative.
2. Recruitment of Bowlers, initially was challenging as this was a new concept. But as a result of successful piloting of the concept and anecdotal evidence given by both the people living with dementia and their carers / partners this programme is now ongoing and fully occupied.
3. Participant Engagement and Mobility Limitations: Many individuals with dementia experience fluctuating levels of engagement and physical ability. Some days, participants may struggle with focus or mobility, making it harder to fully take part in the activities. Adapting sessions to accommodate these variations requires flexibility and creativity.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Enhanced Well-being and Social Engagement: By participating in bowling sessions, individuals experience increased social interaction, physical activity, and cognitive stimulation, all of which contribute to improved mood and overall well-being. The programme fosters a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation.
2. Improved Confidence and Autonomy: Through person-centered care, participants are empowered to engage in activities at their own pace, boosting their confidence and reinforcing a sense of independence. The structured yet flexible approach allows individuals to make choices that suit their abilities and interests.
3. Stronger Support Networks for Families and Caregivers: Families and caregivers benefit from the programme’s holistic approach, gaining insights into their loved ones’ abilities and seeing them engage in meaningful activities. This strengthens relationships and provides emotional support, while also fostering a greater understanding of dementia care.