 Kate Allan, a clinical psychologist, and John Killick, a teacher and writer, have worked together in the field of dementia and communication since 1997. They have recently set up ‘Dementia Positive’ encouraging communication, consultation and creativity in work with people who have dementia.
"Using the arts with people with dementia can enhance communication and have the potential to improve quality of life. People with dementia often experience deterioration of communication skills and language can provide a barrier to expression. Visual art-forms provide opportunities which are not dependent on the verbal, and therefore are particularly valuable. Pictures have an immediacy, a unique capacity to arouse memory and stimulate reminiscence; they can often help to piece together a story and give meaning to the flux. We need to release creativity and give opportunities for identity to be confirmed. 'Pictures to Share' illustrated books offer real possibilities of providing stimulus and encouraging interaction." John Killick, 2006.
Dementia Positive offer presentations and workshops in the arts, creativity & communication. For more information go to
www.dementiapositive.co.uk
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