Stronger Together: Learning from an Interdisciplinary Dementia, Arts and Well-being Network (DA&WN)

Journal

Arts & Health: An International Journal of Research, Policy and Practice

Year

2019

Abstract

Background: This paper reports on the learning from a 12-month interdisciplinary project (Dementia, Arts and Wellbeing Network–DA&WN) and its activities. These featured a series of four workshops on dance, visual art, theatre and music. The network was comprised of clinicians, academics, creative practitioners and people with lived experience of dementia and their carers. Methods: The workshops were designed to draw out tacit knowledge about well-being in dementia through an action-based learning and research approach. This included, guided activities combined with reflective group discussions, visual documentation and baseline and follow-up questionnaires. Results: Outcomes included new collaborations between group members, changes in creative practice for artists, and active and sustained involvement of people living with dementia and their carers in similar opportunities and participatory research. Conclusion: This participatory and inclusive workshop model should be considered to develop and enhance interdisciplinary activities in dementia care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Music and Health Institute Terms

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Engagement Level; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Questionnaires; Recreative Music Methods; Wellness and Well-Being

Indexed Terms

Dementia; theatre; visual art; dance; Elderly; Elderly; Art Therapy; Education; Frail Elderly; Patient Care Team; Social Networking; Arts; Learning; Well Being; Caregivers; Creativity

Study Type

Quasi-Experimental Study; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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