Care partners’ experiences of social support and resilience in an inclusive golf program for people with dementia

Providing care for someone with dementia can be stressful and negatively affect care partners’ well-being. Physical activity (PA) can reduce stress and improve well-being, while social connections in group PA programs can enhance resilience and support coping. Inclusive golf programs have shown positive impacts on individuals with dementia and their care partners; however, research on psychosocial outcomes for care partners remains limited. This study examined: (1) how do care partners experience social support in an inclusive recreation program for people with dementia? and (2) how does participation impact their resilience, coping, and quality of life? Qualitative interviews explored the lived experiences of care partners (N = 6; Mage = 72 years). Interviews and ethnographic fieldnotes from program observations were thematically analyzed. Three themes were identified: (1) a place for us with the subthemes an authentically friendly space and together in the journey, (2) filling my cup with the subtheme “I get to be the wife again”, and (3) “it’s okay”. Staff and volunteers’ genuine care and respect created a welcoming and inclusive environment, and opportunities to connect with others in similar roles fostered community and belonging. The instrumental and social support provided through the program enhanced care partners’ well-being. Observing other participants offered insights into the progression of dementia and validated care partners’ feelings and experiences. Inclusive recreation programs may provide valuable opportunities for social support and connection, strengthening care partners’ resilience and well-being. In this study, we (a) explored how care partners experience social support in an inclusive recreation program for people with dementia, (b) examined how participation influenced their resilience, coping, and quality of life, and (c) identified how recreation programs can enhance care partners’ well-being through meaningful connection and support. Provide care partners with access to inclusive recreational programs that integrate PA and social support, addressing their physical, social, and emotional well-being in parallel with the care recipient’s needs.Incorporate opportunities for emotional respite into co-participatory recreational programs, allowing care partners to recharge and build resilience while engaging in supportive social interactions.Develop scalable, co-participatory programs tailored to diverse care contexts and participants, ensuring they are meaningful, inclusive, and maximize positive outcomes for both care partners and care recipients. Provide care partners with access to inclusive recreational programs that integrate PA and social support, addressing their physical, social, and emotional well-being in parallel with the care recipient’s needs. Incorporate opportunities for emotional respite into co-participatory recreational programs, allowing care partners to recharge and build resilience while engaging in supportive social interactions. Develop scalable, co-participatory programs tailored to diverse care contexts and participants, ensuring they are meaningful, inclusive, and maximize positive outcomes for both care partners and care recipients.