Dementia and Imagination

With our vast experience of bringing the arts to the care sector we have been asked to join a pioneering year-long research project exploring the impact of visual arts on dementia.

Together with Newcastle University we are working in four care settings across the region with our artists, staff and researchers investigating the importance of visual arts.

The first 12-week research programme was carried out at Oakdale Lodge in South Shields.

Jackie Murray, manager at the home run by Akari Care, said: "The sessions have encouraged us to approach modern and effective ways of delivering care to our residents with dementia. It has also made us confident in delivering similar sessions.

"We feel we are at the forefront of dementia care and providing the best possible quality of life to the residents."

The project, run by artists Claire Ford and Kate Sweeney, will be continuing throughout 2015.

"The sessions use visual arts as a stimulus to capture individuals creativity and expression in those with varying stages of dementia. The research is looking at the impact arts can have on the health and wellbeing of participants and if arts practice should be established as a fundamental element of care instead of an added extra." Kate Sweeney, artist