Exploring the Key Success Factors in Home-Based Occupational Therapy for People with Dementia: A Qualitative Study from Italy

Introduction: Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and increasing care needs. Occupational Therapy (OT) is recommended by the Italian guidelines for Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia as an effective intervention to support functional abilities and to manage non-cognitive symptoms through structured, person-centered approaches. In this context, the Cognitive Disorders and Dementia Center of Modena (Italy) provides home-based OT aiming to enhance engagement in meaningful daily activities and actively involve caregivers in the therapeutic process. While this intervention is increasingly recognized as beneficial in dementia care, its specific impact on caregivers’ experiences within home settings remains unclear.

Methods: This qualitative, exploratory study involved semi-structured interviews with five caregivers of individuals with dementia who had completed a successful cycle of home-based OT. The interview guide was developed using a structured qualitative framework. Collected data were analyzed thematically and organized into key categories to identify common and unique experiences among caregivers, with particular attention to perceived success factors.

Results: The caregivers reported a high perceived value of home-based OT. Key success factors included the acquisition of practical strategies for managing daily routines, a holistic and individualized approach to care, improved awareness of and access to local support services, and a diminished perception of disease-related burden. These aspects contributed to strengthening the caregivers’ abilities to support autonomy and communication in their relatives with dementia. Additionally, the caregivers expressed a greater sense of involvement, reassurance, and emotional well-being. Some participants also highlighted the need for continued support and follow-up, especially in the face of disease progression.

Conclusions: These results align with the current literature and suggest that the identified success factors can help shape more effective home-based OT programs. Further research is needed to expand these findings and explore the long-term outcomes across different settings and populations.