Citation
(2013), "Dementia: enriching life with creative expression", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 14 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa.2013.55914aaa.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Dementia: enriching life with creative expression
Article Type: News and events From: Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Volume 14, Issue 1
Creative Practitioner and Embroidery graduate, Claire Ford from Great Ayton in North Yorkshire, has returned from a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship (www.wcmt.org.uk) which provided research and observation opportunities in the USA. The purpose of her Fellowship was to explore Arts and Dementia programming through the generation of “Creative Ageing”, aspiring to promote similar practice back in the U on her return.
Claire believes that “as cognitive ability deteriorates with dementia, creativity increases, enabling new ways of communication. Dementia is predicted to double in the next decade, with the arts to be seen as a powerful resource in providing rich life opportunities. Not only can the arts provide long lasting affects on health and well-being but they can also unlock potential, empower, are life affirming and promote opportunities to develop relationships and communication. This generation has given and taught us, so now its time to give back to our elders who are in need of creative exploration”.
Claire now intends to develop an Arts and Dementia programme providing support to individuals and carers through a “toolbox” that can be implemented both in facilities and at home. With the support of the Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship she has developed skills and knowledge to push this research even further.
Claire’s daily US blog is available to view at: www.enrichinglifewithcreativeexpression.blogspot.com
Email: Claireford88@hotmail.com; Tel.: 07828975335.