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Table 1 Summary description of total intervention: eight home visits including homework

From: Process evaluation of a multicomponent dyadic intervention study with exercise and support for people with dementia and their family caregivers

Week 1

 
 

Home visit 1

Acquaintance and explanation of the different components of the intervention by the coach. Introduction of first flexibility exercises

Physical exercise homework: complete 30 minutes of flexibility exercises on at least 3 days by both person with dementia and caregiver

Week 2

 
 

Home visit 2

Training communication skills. Psycho-education about specific behavior disturbances in dementia, such as depression, delusions, anxiety and agitation. Demonstration and practice of flexibility exercises.

• Physical exercise homework: complete 30 minutes of flexibility exercises on at least 3 days by both person with dementia and caregiver

Week 3

 
 

Home visit 3

Introduction of pleasant activities training. Introduction and practice of first strength exercises.

• Physical exercise homework: complete 30 minutes of flexibility and strengthening exercises on at least 3 days by both person with dementia and caregiver

• Pleasant activities homework: plan 2 to 3 pleasant activities for person with dementia and monitor mood

Weeks 4 and 5

 
 

Home visit 4

Planning 2–3 pleasant activities for person with dementia in the next 2 weeks. Demonstration and practice of flexibility and strength exercises.

• Physical exercise homework: complete 30 minutes of flexibility and strengthening exercises on at least 3 days a week by both person with dementia and caregiver

• Pleasant activities homework: plan 3 pleasant activities for person with dementia and monitor mood

Weeks 6 and 7

 
 

Home visit 5

Psycho-education about coping strategies for caregiver. Introduction of balance exercises.

• Physical exercise homework: complete 30 minutes of flexibility, strengthening and balance exercises on at least 3 days a week by both person with dementia and caregiver

• Pleasant activities homework: plan 3 pleasant activities for person with dementia and monitor mood

Weeks 8 and 9

 
 

Home visit 6

Psycho-education about the importance of respite care for caregiver. Planning pleasant activities for caregiver. Introduction of endurance exercises.

 

• Physical exercise homework: complete 30 minutes of flexibility, strengthening, balance and endurance exercises at least 3 days a week by both person with dementia and caregiver

 

• Pleasant activities homework: plan 3 pleasant activities for caregiver and monitor mood

Weeks 10 and 11

 
 

Home visit 7

Psycho-education about dealing with stress reaction for caregiver. Teaching caregivers effective instructions to encourage exercises and to avoid problems.

• Physical exercise homework: repeat and continue learned flexibility, strengthening, balance and endurance exercises for 30 minutes on at least 3 days a week by both person with dementia and caregiver

• Pleasant activities homework: plan 3 pleasant activities for both partners and monitor mood

Week 12

 
 

Home visit 8

Special attention is paid to maintain exercise training and pleasant activities training in future.

• Physical exercise homework: repeat and continue learned flexibility, strengthening, balance and endurance exercises for 30 minutes on at least 3 days a week by both person with dementia and caregiver

• Pleasant activities homework: plan 3 pleasant activities for both partners and monitor mood