The aim of this paper is to describe the process of building a multi-level intervention called the Enriched Opportunities Programme, the objective of which is to provide a sustainable activity-based model for people with dementia living in long-term care. It is hypothesised that five key elements need to work together to bring about a sustainable activity-based model of care. These elements are specialist expertise-the staff role of Locksmith was developed as part of this programme; individualised assessment and case work; an activity and occupation programme; staff training; and management and leadership. These elements working together are known as the Enriched Opportunities Programme. This paper reports on the processes undertaken to develop Enriched Opportunities from its inception to the present, and focuses on lessons learnt from the literature, an expert working group and action research in four UK study sites. A blueprint for evaluation in other long-term care facilities is described.