Article
‘It helps residents stay healthy’: the benefits of arts in care homes
The Guardian
Care Homes showcase value of the arts
Article about National Care Homes Open Day 2019 and increase in arts provision in care homes
Art can be a powerful medicine against dementia
Nicci Gerrard
Really interesting article by Nicci Gerrard about the beneficial role of the arts in helping people with dementia. The author is a novelist and author and co-founder of John’s Campaign
The Spark will Ignite
The Guardian, Social Care Network
Guardian article from 2018 about how poetry helps engage people with dementia.
The use of Poetry in Dementia Care
The Elder Magazine
Article about poet and author John Killick who has has written seven books on dementia, including Dementia Positive, Communication and the Care of People with Dementia and Playfulness and Dementia.
Care UK Poetry writing Competition
Article about Care UK poetry writing competition with examples of some of the prize winning poems.
Benefits of a creative writing group for care home residents
A writing group in a nursing home in Scotland shows that residents with dementia can be empowered to express themselves and staff enticed to be creative in their approach to care. Read about project
The Neuroscience of Creativity
Scientific American, Scott Barry Kaufman
American article (2019) about what happens in our brains when we create something.
Activity sharpens even dementia-affected brains
The Guardian
Moving more might help to keep people’s brains sharp as they age – even in the face of dementia, researchers have said. Read Guardian article here.
The power of the arts and social activities to improve the nation’s health
Department of Health and Social Care
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock speaks to the King’s Fund about the benefits of social prescribing. Read 2018 article.
Music and Memory
Music and Memory article (2016) about the benefits of music and art therapy for people living with dementia.