Background Intergenerational programmes are formal activities bringing different generations toge... more Background Intergenerational programmes are formal activities bringing different generations together and have been identified as a way to help people living with dementia to stay socially connected. While there is some evidence from individual studies as to their benefits, there is no overall coherent account as to the perceptions and experiences of participants who engage in such programmes. This review synthesises qualitative evidence of the experiences and perceptions of young people and older people living with dementia of participating in such programmes. Methods We searched EBSCO CINAHL, OVID Medline, Embase, Ovid PsycINFO, the Web of Science, Epistemonikos and grey literature sources. We used thematic synthesis to analyse and synthesise the evidence in to four themes, with 11 key findings. We assessed our confidence in each of these findings using the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach. Findings Our review highlights the ...
Research reviews highlight methodological limitations and gaps in the evidence base for the arts ... more Research reviews highlight methodological limitations and gaps in the evidence base for the arts in dementia care. In response, we developed a 12-week visual art program and evaluated the impact on people living with dementia through a mixed-methods longitudinal investigation. One hundred and twenty-five people living with mild to severe dementia were recruited across three research settings in England and Wales (residential care homes, a county hospital, and community venues). Quantitative and qualitative data on quality of life (QoL), communication and perceptions of the program were obtained through interviews and self-reports with participants and their carers. Eight domains of well-being were measured using a standardized observation tool, and data compared to an alternative activity with no art. Across all sites, scores for the well-being domains of interest, attention, pleasure, self-esteem, negative affect, and sadness were significantly better in the art program than the al...
This paper reports on a quantitative evaluation of a group-based programme designed to promote pa... more This paper reports on a quantitative evaluation of a group-based programme designed to promote parentinfant attachment and child development. Whilst groupbased parenting programmes are recommended for treating and preventing conduct disorder in older children, there is, as yet, little evidence as to whether they have a positive effect on very young children and their carers'. Recent UK Government initiatives to support families and improve parenting skills in the first 2 years of children's lives have increased the demand for the delivery and evaluation of community-based programmes. Eighty mother-child dyads were recruited from nine areas to intervention (n = 54) and control condition (n = 26). Baseline measures were collected in the children's home when the infants were on average 3-months-old, and follow-up measures were collected 6 months post-baseline (N = 63). Mothers' positive play behaviours were independently coded from video recordings taken in the home. Other measures included self-reported maternal confidence and mental well-being, assessed infant development and home environment. Socio-demographic data was collected once at baseline. After controlling for baseline scores, control mothers were observed to be significantly less sensitive during play with their baby at the 6 months follow-up with a significant increase in confidence. No differences were found between the groups on the other measures. This paper provides limited evidence for the effectiveness of the Incredible Years Parents and Babies group-based programme delivered in the first year of life. Further evaluation, particularly with parents at increased risk of poorer outcomes is needed to confirm and extend these results.
Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 2014
The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with p... more The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden.
Purpose This paper aims to understand the lived experience of a person living with dementia in a ... more Purpose This paper aims to understand the lived experience of a person living with dementia in a care home during the COVID-19 pandemic. It responds to the absence in research of the voices of people with dementia living in care homes during the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a single case study design applied thematic analysis to semi-structured interview data to discover the experiences of one person living with dementia in a care home during a period of lockdown. Findings Five themes reveal how the participant responded to the practical and emotional challenges of the pandemic: autonomy; fears; keeping connected; keeping safe and other people living with dementia. These themes highlight the participant’s ability to adapt, accept and dispute lockdown restrictions, revealing considerable insight into their situation. Research limitations/implications The pandemic has restricted access to care homes, which informed the single case study design. This approach ...
Creative outputs engage the public and can be used to share research. This paper reports on publi... more Creative outputs engage the public and can be used to share research. This paper reports on public engagement activities that were part of the research project Dementia and Imagination (D&I). We found that artwork and creative activities effectively engaged a range of audiences and challenged negative ideas about dementia. For the project team, public engagement developed relationships with collaborators and connected the research to different community settings, influencing future programmes of work. Further work could explore public engagement in diverse settings to assess which approaches are effective in maximising research value and wider community benefit.
The number of individuals living with advanced dementia in the care home sector is growing as peo... more The number of individuals living with advanced dementia in the care home sector is growing as people live longer. People living with advanced dementia have complex, individual needs and identifying contributors of their well-being is essential in maintaining and promoting their quality of life. Currently, little is known on quality of life and well-being in advanced dementia. A mixed method approach was used to understand the lived daily experience of residents with advanced dementia. The article presents a case study of two residents, " Graham and Martha". Methods include AwareCare observations, QUALID ratings and qualitative interviews with relatives and key staff members, gathered over a period of eight months. Although they both had limited verbal ability, they demonstrated the urge to communicate and non-vocal behaviours were used convey their feelings. The findings suggest that relatives are reassured/comforted where they see their relatives expressing themselves, and happier when they could maintain a regular caring role. Relatives also were appreciative of staff caring for the individual as a person. However, conflict was evident when care staff and relatives did not agree on what would be in the best interests of the person living with advanced dementia. Kitwood’s personhood model was especially helpful in considering well-being in advanced dementia.
National Assembly for Wales Research Service, 2018
This paper is published as part of the Assembly’s pilot Academic Fellowship Scheme, which enables... more This paper is published as part of the Assembly’s pilot Academic Fellowship Scheme, which enables academics to work at the Assembly on a specific project, for the mutual benefit of the academic and the Assembly. The paper sets out recommendations on how to ensure that bilingual residents in Wales receive equal access to dementia services.
This paper is published as part of the Assembly’s pilot Academic Fellowship Scheme, which enables... more This paper is published as part of the Assembly’s pilot Academic Fellowship Scheme, which enables academics to work at the Assembly on a specific project, for the mutual benefit of the academic and the Assembly. As Wales enters a new phase in tackling dementia this paper outlines examples of innovative work in Wales, the UK and internationally set in the context of the WHO Global Plan of Action on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017- 2025.
Background:
Research reviews highlight methodological limitations and gaps in the evidence base f... more Background: Research reviews highlight methodological limitations and gaps in the evidence base for the arts in dementia care. In response, we developed a 12-week visual art program and evaluated the impact on people living with dementia through a mixed-methods longitudinal investigation.
Methods: One hundred and twenty-five people living with mild to severe dementia were recruited across three research settings in England and Wales (residential care homes, a county hospital, and community venues). Quantitative and qualitative data on quality of life (QoL), communication and perceptions of the program were obtained through interviews and self-reports with participants and their carers. Eight domains of well-being were measured using a standardized observation tool, and data compared to an alternative activity with no art.
Results: Across all sites, scores for the well-being domains of interest, attention, pleasure, self-esteem, negative affect, and sadness were significantly better in the art program than the alternative condition. Proxy-reported QoL significantly improved between baseline and 3-month follow-up, but no improvements in QoL were reported by the participants with dementia. This was contrasted by their qualitative accounts, which described a stimulating experience important for social connectedness, well-being, and inner-strength. Communication deteriorated between baseline and follow-up in the hospital setting, but improved in the residential care setting.
Conclusions: The findings highlight the potential for creative aging within dementia care, the benefits of art activities and the influence of the environment. We encourage dementia care providers and arts and cultural services to work toward embedding art activities within routine care provision.
This paper analyses how the methodological approach for a major Arts and Humanities Research Coun... more This paper analyses how the methodological approach for a major Arts and Humanities Research Council and Economic and Social Research Council-funded project entitled Dementia and Imagination 11 http://dementiaandimagination.org.uk/ View all notes was formulated. This multidisciplinary project brings together the arts and humanities with the social sciences with their different epistemological philosophies and subsequent understandings of research methods. The main objective was to determine how visual arts activities may change, sustain and catalyse community cultures, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours to create dementia-friendly communities. This project involves 6 different UK universities, 14 researchers, 10 formal partners, 7 project artists, 3 research artists and a large number of civil society organisations. The analysis presents a series of themes that have been identified as influencing the approach taken to develop methods which aimed to speak to different audiences in the social sciences, arts and humanities, policy/practice and public domains. It is concluded that a research project of this type needs to embrace a wide variety of epistemological positions if it is to successfully achieve its objectives. This paper contributes to knowledge about how the methodology of large-scale multidisciplinary projects may be constructed which will be of value to those building research consortia across different universities and between universities and community partners.
This paper reports on a quantitative evaluation of a group-based programme designed to promote pa... more This paper reports on a quantitative evaluation of a group-based programme designed to promote parentinfant attachment and child development. Whilst groupbased parenting programmes are recommended for treating and preventing conduct disorder in older children, there is, as yet, little evidence as to whether they have a positive effect on very young children and their carers'. Recent UK Government initiatives to support families and improve parenting skills in the first 2 years of children's lives have increased the demand for the delivery and evaluation of community-based programmes. Eighty mother-child dyads were recruited from nine areas to intervention (n = 54) and control condition (n = 26). Baseline measures were collected in the children's home when the infants were on average 3-months-old, and follow-up measures were collected 6 months post-baseline (N = 63). Mothers' positive play behaviours were independently coded from video recordings taken in the home. Other measures included self-reported maternal confidence and mental well-being, assessed infant development and home environment. Socio-demographic data was collected once at baseline. After controlling for baseline scores, control mothers were observed to be significantly less sensitive during play with their baby at the 6 months follow-up with a significant increase in confidence. No differences were found between the groups on the other measures. This paper provides limited evidence for the effectiveness of the Incredible Years Parents and Babies group-based programme delivered in the first year of life. Further evaluation, particularly with parents at increased risk of poorer outcomes is needed to confirm and extend these results.
While group-based parenting programmes are recommended for treating conduct disorder in older chi... more While group-based parenting programmes are recommended for treating conduct disorder in older children, it is not yet known whether they have a positive effect early in life. This paper reports the first known evaluation of an group-based programme designed to promote parent-infant attachment and prevent problems from developing. We collected baseline measures in the children’s homes when they were an average three months old, and follow up measures six months post-baseline(N=63). Mothers were recruited consecutively to the intervention group and then once sufficient numbers had been recruited for the group subsequent mothers were recruited to the comparison control group. Mothers’ positive play behaviours were independently coded from video recordings taken in the home. Other measures included socio-demographic data and self-reported maternal variables including self-efficacy and well-being and safety awareness. The home environment was rated for elements likely to encourage infant...
Community practitioner : the journal of the Community Practitioners' & Health Visitors' Association, 2012
There is growing interest in supporting families during children's early years to encourage o... more There is growing interest in supporting families during children's early years to encourage optimal infant development. The data were collected from an evaluation of the Incredible Years (IY) eight-week parenting group for parents and their babies. Feedback obtained from parents (n = 34) and leaders (n = 13) was positive. Retention and attendance rates were high. A detailed costing for the groups indicated that this programme can be delivered for a reasonable cost to meet health visitor objectives with families in the first postpartum months and provides an opportunity to inform parents about resources and other support available for them and their infants.
A key aspect of this research is a mixed method evaluation of a visual arts programme called Deme... more A key aspect of this research is a mixed method evaluation of a visual arts programme called Dementia and Imagination. It involves groups of people meeting weekly for a couple of hours over three months. The groups, led by artists, are encouraged to view and discuss artwork on display before individuals make their own artwork inspired by the pieces discussed in the group. The study examines the potential well-being benefits of encouraging access for people living with dementia into stimulating cultural centres. Two thirds of people living with dementia live in the community (Alzheimer’s Society, 2013) and isolation is a common factor for people living with memory impairment. Numerous opportunities exist for social engagement but attendance at some groups can be low. The barriers to engagement and challenges related to successful recruitment will be shared with delegates. This paper focuses on the recruitment process within three regions in Wales. People living with memory impairment and living independently were recruited from the community. The strategy adopted to successfully recruit four consecutive groups over a year will explain the importance of a multifaceted approach to raising awareness and interest in a new programme. Debates about the optimum number for a group dynamics have also been included and a number of recommendations for overcoming some of the issues facing those working to reduce isolation for people living with dementia in the community will be included.
Background Intergenerational programmes are formal activities bringing different generations toge... more Background Intergenerational programmes are formal activities bringing different generations together and have been identified as a way to help people living with dementia to stay socially connected. While there is some evidence from individual studies as to their benefits, there is no overall coherent account as to the perceptions and experiences of participants who engage in such programmes. This review synthesises qualitative evidence of the experiences and perceptions of young people and older people living with dementia of participating in such programmes. Methods We searched EBSCO CINAHL, OVID Medline, Embase, Ovid PsycINFO, the Web of Science, Epistemonikos and grey literature sources. We used thematic synthesis to analyse and synthesise the evidence in to four themes, with 11 key findings. We assessed our confidence in each of these findings using the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach. Findings Our review highlights the ...
Research reviews highlight methodological limitations and gaps in the evidence base for the arts ... more Research reviews highlight methodological limitations and gaps in the evidence base for the arts in dementia care. In response, we developed a 12-week visual art program and evaluated the impact on people living with dementia through a mixed-methods longitudinal investigation. One hundred and twenty-five people living with mild to severe dementia were recruited across three research settings in England and Wales (residential care homes, a county hospital, and community venues). Quantitative and qualitative data on quality of life (QoL), communication and perceptions of the program were obtained through interviews and self-reports with participants and their carers. Eight domains of well-being were measured using a standardized observation tool, and data compared to an alternative activity with no art. Across all sites, scores for the well-being domains of interest, attention, pleasure, self-esteem, negative affect, and sadness were significantly better in the art program than the al...
This paper reports on a quantitative evaluation of a group-based programme designed to promote pa... more This paper reports on a quantitative evaluation of a group-based programme designed to promote parentinfant attachment and child development. Whilst groupbased parenting programmes are recommended for treating and preventing conduct disorder in older children, there is, as yet, little evidence as to whether they have a positive effect on very young children and their carers'. Recent UK Government initiatives to support families and improve parenting skills in the first 2 years of children's lives have increased the demand for the delivery and evaluation of community-based programmes. Eighty mother-child dyads were recruited from nine areas to intervention (n = 54) and control condition (n = 26). Baseline measures were collected in the children's home when the infants were on average 3-months-old, and follow-up measures were collected 6 months post-baseline (N = 63). Mothers' positive play behaviours were independently coded from video recordings taken in the home. Other measures included self-reported maternal confidence and mental well-being, assessed infant development and home environment. Socio-demographic data was collected once at baseline. After controlling for baseline scores, control mothers were observed to be significantly less sensitive during play with their baby at the 6 months follow-up with a significant increase in confidence. No differences were found between the groups on the other measures. This paper provides limited evidence for the effectiveness of the Incredible Years Parents and Babies group-based programme delivered in the first year of life. Further evaluation, particularly with parents at increased risk of poorer outcomes is needed to confirm and extend these results.
Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 2014
The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with p... more The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden.
Purpose This paper aims to understand the lived experience of a person living with dementia in a ... more Purpose This paper aims to understand the lived experience of a person living with dementia in a care home during the COVID-19 pandemic. It responds to the absence in research of the voices of people with dementia living in care homes during the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a single case study design applied thematic analysis to semi-structured interview data to discover the experiences of one person living with dementia in a care home during a period of lockdown. Findings Five themes reveal how the participant responded to the practical and emotional challenges of the pandemic: autonomy; fears; keeping connected; keeping safe and other people living with dementia. These themes highlight the participant’s ability to adapt, accept and dispute lockdown restrictions, revealing considerable insight into their situation. Research limitations/implications The pandemic has restricted access to care homes, which informed the single case study design. This approach ...
Creative outputs engage the public and can be used to share research. This paper reports on publi... more Creative outputs engage the public and can be used to share research. This paper reports on public engagement activities that were part of the research project Dementia and Imagination (D&I). We found that artwork and creative activities effectively engaged a range of audiences and challenged negative ideas about dementia. For the project team, public engagement developed relationships with collaborators and connected the research to different community settings, influencing future programmes of work. Further work could explore public engagement in diverse settings to assess which approaches are effective in maximising research value and wider community benefit.
The number of individuals living with advanced dementia in the care home sector is growing as peo... more The number of individuals living with advanced dementia in the care home sector is growing as people live longer. People living with advanced dementia have complex, individual needs and identifying contributors of their well-being is essential in maintaining and promoting their quality of life. Currently, little is known on quality of life and well-being in advanced dementia. A mixed method approach was used to understand the lived daily experience of residents with advanced dementia. The article presents a case study of two residents, " Graham and Martha". Methods include AwareCare observations, QUALID ratings and qualitative interviews with relatives and key staff members, gathered over a period of eight months. Although they both had limited verbal ability, they demonstrated the urge to communicate and non-vocal behaviours were used convey their feelings. The findings suggest that relatives are reassured/comforted where they see their relatives expressing themselves, and happier when they could maintain a regular caring role. Relatives also were appreciative of staff caring for the individual as a person. However, conflict was evident when care staff and relatives did not agree on what would be in the best interests of the person living with advanced dementia. Kitwood’s personhood model was especially helpful in considering well-being in advanced dementia.
National Assembly for Wales Research Service, 2018
This paper is published as part of the Assembly’s pilot Academic Fellowship Scheme, which enables... more This paper is published as part of the Assembly’s pilot Academic Fellowship Scheme, which enables academics to work at the Assembly on a specific project, for the mutual benefit of the academic and the Assembly. The paper sets out recommendations on how to ensure that bilingual residents in Wales receive equal access to dementia services.
This paper is published as part of the Assembly’s pilot Academic Fellowship Scheme, which enables... more This paper is published as part of the Assembly’s pilot Academic Fellowship Scheme, which enables academics to work at the Assembly on a specific project, for the mutual benefit of the academic and the Assembly. As Wales enters a new phase in tackling dementia this paper outlines examples of innovative work in Wales, the UK and internationally set in the context of the WHO Global Plan of Action on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017- 2025.
Background:
Research reviews highlight methodological limitations and gaps in the evidence base f... more Background: Research reviews highlight methodological limitations and gaps in the evidence base for the arts in dementia care. In response, we developed a 12-week visual art program and evaluated the impact on people living with dementia through a mixed-methods longitudinal investigation.
Methods: One hundred and twenty-five people living with mild to severe dementia were recruited across three research settings in England and Wales (residential care homes, a county hospital, and community venues). Quantitative and qualitative data on quality of life (QoL), communication and perceptions of the program were obtained through interviews and self-reports with participants and their carers. Eight domains of well-being were measured using a standardized observation tool, and data compared to an alternative activity with no art.
Results: Across all sites, scores for the well-being domains of interest, attention, pleasure, self-esteem, negative affect, and sadness were significantly better in the art program than the alternative condition. Proxy-reported QoL significantly improved between baseline and 3-month follow-up, but no improvements in QoL were reported by the participants with dementia. This was contrasted by their qualitative accounts, which described a stimulating experience important for social connectedness, well-being, and inner-strength. Communication deteriorated between baseline and follow-up in the hospital setting, but improved in the residential care setting.
Conclusions: The findings highlight the potential for creative aging within dementia care, the benefits of art activities and the influence of the environment. We encourage dementia care providers and arts and cultural services to work toward embedding art activities within routine care provision.
This paper analyses how the methodological approach for a major Arts and Humanities Research Coun... more This paper analyses how the methodological approach for a major Arts and Humanities Research Council and Economic and Social Research Council-funded project entitled Dementia and Imagination 11 http://dementiaandimagination.org.uk/ View all notes was formulated. This multidisciplinary project brings together the arts and humanities with the social sciences with their different epistemological philosophies and subsequent understandings of research methods. The main objective was to determine how visual arts activities may change, sustain and catalyse community cultures, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours to create dementia-friendly communities. This project involves 6 different UK universities, 14 researchers, 10 formal partners, 7 project artists, 3 research artists and a large number of civil society organisations. The analysis presents a series of themes that have been identified as influencing the approach taken to develop methods which aimed to speak to different audiences in the social sciences, arts and humanities, policy/practice and public domains. It is concluded that a research project of this type needs to embrace a wide variety of epistemological positions if it is to successfully achieve its objectives. This paper contributes to knowledge about how the methodology of large-scale multidisciplinary projects may be constructed which will be of value to those building research consortia across different universities and between universities and community partners.
This paper reports on a quantitative evaluation of a group-based programme designed to promote pa... more This paper reports on a quantitative evaluation of a group-based programme designed to promote parentinfant attachment and child development. Whilst groupbased parenting programmes are recommended for treating and preventing conduct disorder in older children, there is, as yet, little evidence as to whether they have a positive effect on very young children and their carers'. Recent UK Government initiatives to support families and improve parenting skills in the first 2 years of children's lives have increased the demand for the delivery and evaluation of community-based programmes. Eighty mother-child dyads were recruited from nine areas to intervention (n = 54) and control condition (n = 26). Baseline measures were collected in the children's home when the infants were on average 3-months-old, and follow-up measures were collected 6 months post-baseline (N = 63). Mothers' positive play behaviours were independently coded from video recordings taken in the home. Other measures included self-reported maternal confidence and mental well-being, assessed infant development and home environment. Socio-demographic data was collected once at baseline. After controlling for baseline scores, control mothers were observed to be significantly less sensitive during play with their baby at the 6 months follow-up with a significant increase in confidence. No differences were found between the groups on the other measures. This paper provides limited evidence for the effectiveness of the Incredible Years Parents and Babies group-based programme delivered in the first year of life. Further evaluation, particularly with parents at increased risk of poorer outcomes is needed to confirm and extend these results.
While group-based parenting programmes are recommended for treating conduct disorder in older chi... more While group-based parenting programmes are recommended for treating conduct disorder in older children, it is not yet known whether they have a positive effect early in life. This paper reports the first known evaluation of an group-based programme designed to promote parent-infant attachment and prevent problems from developing. We collected baseline measures in the children’s homes when they were an average three months old, and follow up measures six months post-baseline(N=63). Mothers were recruited consecutively to the intervention group and then once sufficient numbers had been recruited for the group subsequent mothers were recruited to the comparison control group. Mothers’ positive play behaviours were independently coded from video recordings taken in the home. Other measures included socio-demographic data and self-reported maternal variables including self-efficacy and well-being and safety awareness. The home environment was rated for elements likely to encourage infant...
Community practitioner : the journal of the Community Practitioners' & Health Visitors' Association, 2012
There is growing interest in supporting families during children's early years to encourage o... more There is growing interest in supporting families during children's early years to encourage optimal infant development. The data were collected from an evaluation of the Incredible Years (IY) eight-week parenting group for parents and their babies. Feedback obtained from parents (n = 34) and leaders (n = 13) was positive. Retention and attendance rates were high. A detailed costing for the groups indicated that this programme can be delivered for a reasonable cost to meet health visitor objectives with families in the first postpartum months and provides an opportunity to inform parents about resources and other support available for them and their infants.
A key aspect of this research is a mixed method evaluation of a visual arts programme called Deme... more A key aspect of this research is a mixed method evaluation of a visual arts programme called Dementia and Imagination. It involves groups of people meeting weekly for a couple of hours over three months. The groups, led by artists, are encouraged to view and discuss artwork on display before individuals make their own artwork inspired by the pieces discussed in the group. The study examines the potential well-being benefits of encouraging access for people living with dementia into stimulating cultural centres. Two thirds of people living with dementia live in the community (Alzheimer’s Society, 2013) and isolation is a common factor for people living with memory impairment. Numerous opportunities exist for social engagement but attendance at some groups can be low. The barriers to engagement and challenges related to successful recruitment will be shared with delegates. This paper focuses on the recruitment process within three regions in Wales. People living with memory impairment and living independently were recruited from the community. The strategy adopted to successfully recruit four consecutive groups over a year will explain the importance of a multifaceted approach to raising awareness and interest in a new programme. Debates about the optimum number for a group dynamics have also been included and a number of recommendations for overcoming some of the issues facing those working to reduce isolation for people living with dementia in the community will be included.
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Papers by Catrin Jones
The paper sets out recommendations on how to ensure that bilingual
residents in Wales receive equal access to dementia services.
As Wales enters a new phase in tackling dementia this paper outlines
examples of innovative work in Wales, the UK and internationally set in the context of the WHO Global Plan of Action on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017- 2025.
Research reviews highlight methodological limitations and gaps in the evidence base for the arts in dementia care. In response, we developed a 12-week visual art program and evaluated the impact on people living with dementia through a mixed-methods longitudinal investigation.
Methods:
One hundred and twenty-five people living with mild to severe dementia were recruited across three research settings in England and Wales (residential care homes, a county hospital, and community venues). Quantitative and qualitative data on quality of life (QoL), communication and perceptions of the program were obtained through interviews and self-reports with participants and their carers. Eight domains of well-being were measured using a standardized observation tool, and data compared to an alternative activity with no art.
Results:
Across all sites, scores for the well-being domains of interest, attention, pleasure, self-esteem, negative affect, and sadness were significantly better in the art program than the alternative condition. Proxy-reported QoL significantly improved between baseline and 3-month follow-up, but no improvements in QoL were reported by the participants with dementia. This was contrasted by their qualitative accounts, which described a stimulating experience important for social connectedness, well-being, and inner-strength. Communication deteriorated between baseline and follow-up in the hospital setting, but improved in the residential care setting.
Conclusions:
The findings highlight the potential for creative aging within dementia care, the benefits of art activities and the influence of the environment. We encourage dementia care providers and arts and cultural services to work toward embedding art activities within routine care provision.
View all notes
was formulated. This multidisciplinary project brings together the arts and humanities with the social sciences with their different epistemological philosophies and subsequent understandings of research methods. The main objective was to determine how visual arts activities may change, sustain and catalyse community cultures, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours to create dementia-friendly communities. This project involves 6 different UK universities, 14 researchers, 10 formal partners, 7 project artists, 3 research artists and a large number of civil society organisations. The analysis presents a series of themes that have been identified as influencing the approach taken to develop methods which aimed to speak to different audiences in the social sciences, arts and humanities, policy/practice and public domains. It is concluded that a research project of this type needs to embrace a wide variety of epistemological positions if it is to successfully achieve its objectives. This paper contributes to knowledge about how the methodology of large-scale multidisciplinary projects may be constructed which will be of value to those building research consortia across different universities and between universities and community partners.
Two thirds of people living with dementia live in the community (Alzheimer’s Society, 2013) and isolation is a common factor for people living with memory impairment. Numerous opportunities exist for social engagement but attendance at some groups can be low. The barriers to engagement and challenges related to successful recruitment will be shared with delegates. This paper focuses on the recruitment process within three regions in Wales. People living with memory impairment and living independently were recruited from the community. The strategy adopted to successfully recruit four consecutive groups over a year will explain the importance of a multifaceted approach to raising awareness and interest in a new programme.
Debates about the optimum number for a group dynamics have also been included and a number of recommendations for overcoming some of the issues facing those working to reduce isolation for people living with dementia in the community will be included.
The paper sets out recommendations on how to ensure that bilingual
residents in Wales receive equal access to dementia services.
As Wales enters a new phase in tackling dementia this paper outlines
examples of innovative work in Wales, the UK and internationally set in the context of the WHO Global Plan of Action on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017- 2025.
Research reviews highlight methodological limitations and gaps in the evidence base for the arts in dementia care. In response, we developed a 12-week visual art program and evaluated the impact on people living with dementia through a mixed-methods longitudinal investigation.
Methods:
One hundred and twenty-five people living with mild to severe dementia were recruited across three research settings in England and Wales (residential care homes, a county hospital, and community venues). Quantitative and qualitative data on quality of life (QoL), communication and perceptions of the program were obtained through interviews and self-reports with participants and their carers. Eight domains of well-being were measured using a standardized observation tool, and data compared to an alternative activity with no art.
Results:
Across all sites, scores for the well-being domains of interest, attention, pleasure, self-esteem, negative affect, and sadness were significantly better in the art program than the alternative condition. Proxy-reported QoL significantly improved between baseline and 3-month follow-up, but no improvements in QoL were reported by the participants with dementia. This was contrasted by their qualitative accounts, which described a stimulating experience important for social connectedness, well-being, and inner-strength. Communication deteriorated between baseline and follow-up in the hospital setting, but improved in the residential care setting.
Conclusions:
The findings highlight the potential for creative aging within dementia care, the benefits of art activities and the influence of the environment. We encourage dementia care providers and arts and cultural services to work toward embedding art activities within routine care provision.
View all notes
was formulated. This multidisciplinary project brings together the arts and humanities with the social sciences with their different epistemological philosophies and subsequent understandings of research methods. The main objective was to determine how visual arts activities may change, sustain and catalyse community cultures, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours to create dementia-friendly communities. This project involves 6 different UK universities, 14 researchers, 10 formal partners, 7 project artists, 3 research artists and a large number of civil society organisations. The analysis presents a series of themes that have been identified as influencing the approach taken to develop methods which aimed to speak to different audiences in the social sciences, arts and humanities, policy/practice and public domains. It is concluded that a research project of this type needs to embrace a wide variety of epistemological positions if it is to successfully achieve its objectives. This paper contributes to knowledge about how the methodology of large-scale multidisciplinary projects may be constructed which will be of value to those building research consortia across different universities and between universities and community partners.
Two thirds of people living with dementia live in the community (Alzheimer’s Society, 2013) and isolation is a common factor for people living with memory impairment. Numerous opportunities exist for social engagement but attendance at some groups can be low. The barriers to engagement and challenges related to successful recruitment will be shared with delegates. This paper focuses on the recruitment process within three regions in Wales. People living with memory impairment and living independently were recruited from the community. The strategy adopted to successfully recruit four consecutive groups over a year will explain the importance of a multifaceted approach to raising awareness and interest in a new programme.
Debates about the optimum number for a group dynamics have also been included and a number of recommendations for overcoming some of the issues facing those working to reduce isolation for people living with dementia in the community will be included.