A Proposal for the Development of a Dementia Friendly Community Arts Space in Edinburgh
Citation
(2016) A Proposal for the Development of a Dementia
Friendly Community Arts Space in Edinburgh, no. 79.
Abstract
Dementia is one of the biggest global health challenges facing the world today. With an
ageing population, the number of people with dementia is rising in Scotland which
requires an expansion of dementia services throughout the country. One of the main
challenges facing our health and social care system is how to keep people with a
diagnosis of dementia in their own homes and a part of the community for as long as
possible. Despite facing such a difficult task the Scottish government, National Health
Service and organisations such as Alzheimer Scotland are committed to making Scotland
a country where people with dementia are included, respected, appreciated, cared for and
active within their communities for as long as possible.
Current policies and strategies put an emphasis on creating dementia friendly
communities through raising local awareness and by making community facilities and
services as inclusive as possible. Another emerging form of service for people with
dementia is the use of arts and creative activities in group settings to promote wellbeing. A
review of the literature surrounding this area found that there is significant evidence to
prove that involvement in art and creative activities can increase wellbeing and serve as a
valuable form of self-expression for people with dementia.
The nature of occupational therapy means that occupations can be used in a variety of
ways with any number of client groups, to achieve a wide range of goals such as
independence, improved quality of life and social interaction and inclusion. Occupational
therapists are therefore well suited to work in community environments, to meet the needs
not only of the specified client group but also of the community as a whole.
A Dementia Friendly Community Art Space is proposed, which not only aims to increase
the wellbeing of those with dementia though participation in the programme, but also to
assist in creating a dementia friendly community through raising awareness and providing
a space where all are welcome to get involved.