Key Research- Elena.

Research – Dementia- friendly arts guide – Alzheimer’s society (13.02.2020)

As my Dad is a building surveyor and architect, he gave me some insight into specifications that designers and architects are now adhering to when working with or creating something that is potentially for improving the lives of those that live with Dementia or any other long term diseases.

Due to the pressures of the NHS and social care services – not having enough beds, room or financial support – many people are not receiving the support that they need living with such long term diseases that are a detriment to them living a normal and healthy life.

Unfortunately with such pressures most organisations can only give a limited amount of time for support and help which is fantastic for short-term illnesses but what are those to do who need life-time support and motivation to change lifestyle habits, to help with the day to day aspects of their lives. Therefore leisure and arts centres are now being built and developed with the consideration of taking off the pressure from the NHS, GPs and other care services in order to fulfil this missing gap of support for the long-term diseases- by including professionals and healthcare centres that would be able to provide this service.

Examples of Leisure Centres:

Tameside Wellness Centre, Denton

Great Sankey Leisure Centre, Warrington

Some Key Points from ‘Dementia-Friendly Arts Guide’ Alzheimer’s Society

- Cultural activities become off-limits for someone who has a dementia diagnosis, therefore people in the arts sector need to help and to ensure that this is not the case

- Through the arts and culture we can support those living with dementia and their carers, as you can play a huge role in giving them positive effects on their physical and mental wellbeing

- Helping people to stay independent by being support through such venues, events or workshops. – makes their self awareness improve as they have the chance to function in a new capacity or one that may be familiar for them

- Becoming part of wider –community and therefore not being as isolated or cut off from social environments.

- Pre-plan and perform any test runs in order to ensure everything is smooth running both for you and the patients.

- Create relaxed environments, interactive experiences, discussions, involves emotions and senses – something that can be touched, engage directly with objects, giving them the opportunity to make art works

Sport England/ Alzheimer’s Society/ Arts Council/ Design Active.