A JOINT project between researchers and artists has been designed to help stimulate and aid creativity for people living with dementia.
The University of Stirling has collaborated with the charity Artlink Central to developed creative activity packs for use within residential and care homes.
The toolkits are designed to cover themes and suggested activities in the hope that it will encourage conversation and reminiscence among those with dementia.
The first theme, 'gardens', suggested related topics such as drawing, colouring, collage, planting bulbs and designing the ideal garden.
Artlink, which offers artist-led participatory programmes to support people from disadvantaged groups, intends to create further kits around themes such as food, sports, music and films.
Dr Jane Robertson, Lecturer in Dementia Studies at the University of Stirling, said: "The toolkit aims to bring a number of benefits to people living with dementia by encouraging constructive conversations on a range of topics, engaging with personal histories and building social connections in care centres."
Through funding awarded by the Scottish Funding Council’s Innovation Voucher Scheme, Dr Robertson said they will be evaluating the intended benefits.
She added: "It’s hoped that the toolkit will be rolled out across the UK health and social care sector this summer and help strengthen the relationship between the arts, health and care sectors."
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