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

This qualitative study explored the experiences of caregivers of people with dementia who received home-based occupational therapy from the Modena Memory Clinic. Five participants were interviewed through semi-structured conversations analyzed using thematic analysis. Results identified three main mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of the intervention: education, empowerment, and collaboration. Therapist-tailored interventions helped caregivers recognize remaining abilities, improve problem-solving, and enhance daily care strategies. The home environment supported comfort and engagement, while collaboration with professionals strengthened continuity of care. These findings highlight occupational therapy as a key component of community-based and person-centered dementia care.