Creative arts & dementia

Belinda Lazenby 2015

Introduction to workshopGrandma Remember Me? Az2B Theatre

Company

Living well with dementia

Creative Arts & dementia

Interactive workshop

Conclusion

Grandma Remember Me?

Singing for the BrainGroup singing has been scientifically proven to

lower stress, relieve anxiety, and elevate endorphins. It changes the brain.

Singing for the Brain is a service provided by Alzheimer's Society which uses singing to bring people together in a friendly and stimulating social environment. (there are a number of videos on line)

Memory cafes & memory groups

The power of musicA recent article entitled Mindwise written by Oliver Sacks, a neurologist and author, printed in Oprah Magazine, described the value of music to enhance connections to memories.

" . . . people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias can respond to music when nothing else reaches them. Alzheimer's can totally destroy the ability to remember family members or events from one's own life—but musical memory somehow survives the ravages of the disease, and even in people with advanced dementia, music can often reawaken personal memories and associations otherwise lost.”

"Improvements of mood, behavior, even cognitive function—once set off by music can sometimes persist for hours or even days in people with dementia. Researchers are only beginning to study the secrets of why and how this happens . . ."

 

Photography“My Community my memories project” - Ceartas advocacy

(It gives people a chance to reminisce about the local community in the past, to explore both the past and the present through photography, and to share their memories and experiences.)

Helping the carer – ref Mark Edwards “An intimate portrayal of Alzheimer’s”

Person with dementia – ref Ken Clasper blog who has Lewy Body “The pictures get interesting when the wrong settings are used, but at least with modern camera's we can delete all the duff pictures and keep the best.”

FilmShowing dementia through film

Filmmaking can be a useful way for people with dementia to express themselves, raise awareness and share their experiences.

Innovations in Dementia involves people with dementia in making films that portray their creativity and strengths, as well as sharing advice on living well with dementia. (Alzheimer’s Society)

Poetry & reading Susan Howard – poet working with people dementia, weaving their words into poetry

“Healing through words can’t be underestimated. I think we have a wealth of words inside us throughout our lives and when you have dementia, they are still inside you”

Reading aloud to groups of people with dementia has been found to stimulate memories and imagination

Movement & dance“Dance provides opportunity to engage physically, socially & emotionally.

“Even if movement is minimal it can still be full of meaning and expression.” Jill Hayes, (2011) The Creative Arts in Dementia Care

Painting“You Can Do It! Art – Watercolour” Improving

the quality of life for dementia sufferers. (Sunrise Services Distributing LLC)

http://www.sunrisedistrib.com/ArtforAlzheimers.html

Aquapaint for dementia (Aquapaint is a unique and reusable painting activity that allows people with Dementia and Alzheimer's disease to paint the perfect picture with no mess)

CraftsMemory boxes

Jigsaws

Sculpting (clay & play dough)

Collages (memory board, family times, historic events)

Needlework, Knitting & Fabric

“The crafts you choose should be entertaining and somewhat challenging, but not so much so that it could cause frustration to seniors who require more attention and care. Each dementia patient has different needs, and the crafts and craft supplies you choose should accommodate his or her needs and interests.” (Ref S&S Worldwide)

Museums, galleries & exhibitions

“There are moments when they become engaged in the activity, smiling, nodding along to the discussion in a way they might not have been for months. Those moments help the family get a sense of reconnection with their loved one.”

“They’re stimulating places. Looking at an object brings about an opportunity to reflect on what it is, what it means to me. Trying to remember something might be challenging – reacting in the moment is more effective.”

“Paintings and museum artefacts have a strong emotional component. This is important because “it is often easier getting at emotions rather than thoughts in people with dementia”.

Ref: http://www.museumsassociation.org

DramaLadder to the moon

Role play

Linking to life histories

Involving whole family

Creating Personal Environments through drama (multisensory)

Up on your feet!

Interactive drama

Conclusion“The physical care of people with dementia is of vital importance, but so too is their emotional, social, mental and spiritual wellbeing. The creative arts are gaining increasing recognition not only as a tool for delivering effective person-centred dementia care, but also for attending to soul as well as body.”

(Ref The Creative Arts in Dementia Care: Practical Person-Centred Approaches & Ideas – Jill Hayes with Sarah Povey)