%0 Journal Article
%T Swimming for dementia: An exploratory qualitative study: Innovative practice
%A Charlotte Beer
%A Mary Swallow
%A Tanya Hobden
%A Tom Dening
%J Dementia
%@ 1741-2684
%D 2019
%R 10.1177/1471301218768372
%X Swimming is a non-weight bearing form of exercise that can be enjoyable and promote physical fitness. This qualitative study investigated a local group established as part of a national dementia swimming initiative. Semi-structured interviews with people with dementia (N£¿=£¿4), carers or companions (N£¿=£¿4) and the organisers and facilitators of the group (N£¿=£¿6) were analysed using thematic analysis. This revealed four main themes: (1) the pleasure of swimming and its benefits as a form of exercise and for building confidence and empowering participants, (2) the importance of insight and empathy in creating a safe and secure experience, (3) the impact of dementia and (4) how participants valued being part of a group ¡®all in the same boat¡¯. ¡®Dementia friendly swimming¡¯ appears to be a valuable form of exercise, but it requires considerable preparation and support to make it happen
%K swimming
%K dementia
%K dementia friendly
%K exercise
%K people with dementia
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1471301218768372