Providing people with dementia with opportunities to engage in creativity activity can play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing communication, and in reinforcing personhood and identity.
The authors explore the concept of creativity - what exactly it is, its particular relevance for people with dementia and how to get into the creative ‘flow’. They introduce a range of creative art forms, including poetry and story-telling, collage, drama, music-making, photography, textiles and working with wood and metal, and suggest possibilities for employing them in a range of settings, and with people of all abilities. Consideration is given to the practicalities of facilitating such creative work, including how to organise and run sessions, how to involve people with dementia and their carers, and how to reflect upon the experience. Practice examples are included throughout the book, as well as the comments and observations of people with dementia, and many examples of the artwork and poetry the authors have created with people with dementia over the years.
Brimming with ideas, suggestions and helpful guidance, this is an essential resource for all those who work with people with dementia, and an inspiring read for people with dementia and their families.
Available to purchase from September 2011 from Jessica Kingsley Publishers, see web address below.