FORE! The Love of Golf pilot project explores benefits of dementia-inclusive golf programming

Inclusivity is often about making relatively small changes that breaks down barriers and make an activity more accessible to more people. This is exactly what the FORE! The Love of Golf pilot project is all about – exploring how to help people living with dementia and their care partners return to a game they love.

“It’s the most fantastic program in the world,” said Bev Hansen whose husband Craig is living with dementia. “We are so happy that we found out about this program. I have seen improvement in my husband’s mood, not just on golf days but throughout the week as well. He has something to look forward to that he really enjoys.”

The City of Calgary teamed up with researchers led by Meghan McDonough from the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary and representatives from Alzheimer Calgary this season to explore the potential benefits of bringing golf back into the lives of these individuals. All seven couples involved in the pilot had previously played golf, most had stopped playing due to challenges surrounding dementia.

For example, Joan Drader and her husband Dave used to golf often. Then Dave developed dementia and they haven’t golf together for 10 years – until they learned about this pilot project. “Today, we are golfing with our daughter and granddaughters,” said Joan. “It would not be possible for people with dementia to play without the support of the volunteer Golf Ambassadors. I couldn’t do this on my own with him, I need the support.”

Each couple was supported by a volunteer that functioned as a caddie to the individual living with dementia for the duration of the pilot. They helped them select a club, kept track of where their ball landed and encouraged them along the way. Paul DaCosta, one of the volunteers, understands the challenges caused by the condition. His dad had dementia near the end of his life. “I find it very rewarding to participate in this program as a volunteer,” said Paul. “To me, the big thing is that it frees up their care partner to have two hours to focus on themselves and not have to worry, it gives them some freedom. It also enables those with dementia to golf again.”

Joan was initially concerned that playing golf would be too challenging for the couple, but Dave convinced her they should try. He remembered that they used to golf together and wanted to golf again.

“Coming out here is very refreshing because I’m still participating,” said Dave. “I just want to thank everyone that’s here helping out. It makes me feel so good that I have somewhere to go.”

The refresher lessons, taught by a PGA Golf Professional really helped. “The pro was really good, he was so patient with everyone,” said Joan. Joan said they both really enjoyed the opportunity to socialize before and after their weekly round and she found connecting with other care partners valuable.

Before the 12-week pilot kicked off, The City worked closely with Alzheimer Calgary to create dementia-friendly programing, develop training for staff and make other supportive changes to McCall Lake Golf Course.

“Our program and clubhouse staff received training around the different types of dementia, how to best support those living with dementia and using inclusive language,” said Gennie Liu, City of Calgary Recreation Program Specialist. “We also set up the program to be dementia-inclusive and made other appropriate adaptations.”

Gennie said that they learned how important consistency is to those living with dementia and worked to keep programming predictable but interesting. “We set up some fun hole challenges like who could hit a marshmallow the furthest and the best Happy Gilmore drive,” said Gennie.

Offering a fun experience that provides opportunities for connecting with others goes a long way toward reducing stigma and barriers to sport for those living with dementia says Jenna Jepson, FORE! The Love of Golf Program Connector for Alzheimer Calgary.

“I have witnessed participants and care partners experiencing great joy during the program, demonstrating that there is still a vibrant life to be lived,” said Jenna. “The positive outcomes observed affirm the value of dementia-inclusive programs that enhance the quality of life for all involved.”

Throughout the pilot, University of Calgary researchers studied the impact of a dementia-inclusive golf program on participants’ stress levels, behaviour, mood and cognition and also examined the influence on care partner’s resilience and social relationships. Results of their study are not yet available, however, University of Calgary masters student Kaitlyn Sawford said she made some early positive observations.

“The program offers care partners and individuals with dementia the chance to enjoy life more normally for a few hours each week, and it is incredibly meaningful for care partners to see their loved ones genuinely enjoying themselves and being happy,” said Kaitlyn. “Because the program participants are surrounded by people who truly understand their journey, it is a uniquely inclusive and supportive environment…they don’t need to explain their situation or their partner’s condition.”

Marjorie Cheng said for herself and her husband Paul, participating in the program gave them hope and a bright spot in their week.

“It has been a beautiful program, it shows that it can benefit anyone living with dementia, no matter the abilities the dementia person has,” said Marjorie. “Paul does feel good when he hits the ball right with the help of the ambassador…It stimulates him physically and mentally.”

Due to the success of the pilot program, The City is offering FORE! The Love of Golf again this fall (Register Now) and is also considering dementia-inclusive programing for next year’s golf season.

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