Working with Dementia
"Creative engagement and learning are critical antidotes to the often
overlooked but soul-destroying symptom of dementia--apathy. They are keys to
a life worth living."
John Zeisel PhD
Author, I'm Still Here, a New Philosophy of Alzheimer's Care and co-founder,
ARTZ: Artists for Alzheimer's
FRAMES OF MIND® at the Watermill, Wallsall (2011)
Frames Of Mind® is our concept of using Stop Frame Animation as a communication tool, to produce unique digital portraits. Participants animate personal objects/belongings which become catalysts for anecdotes, and a recorded voice over narrates their story.
"FRAMES OF MIND® at The Watermill, Walsall" in partnership with H21 Research and Evaluation.
The project was a comprehensive evaluation and research analysis of the effectiveness/impact of Frames Of Mind®. The project investigated outcomes for service users, staff, carers and relatives, in terms of communication, empowerment, wellbeing, cognitive abilities and relationships. Training was an intrinsic part of the project, during which a collection of 12 eclectic animated films were produced by staff and residents.
HOW YOU LOOK AT IT (2009)
Was commissioned by The London Borough of Sutton to challenge stereotypical thinking and explore the potential of film and animation to engage people living with dementia. It is an insight into life in a care home, interwoven with the surrealism of ornaments on the move, dancing bananas and flirting clothes.
"How You Look At It" was presented at the National Dementia Congress 2009 and is available to buy. Contact Salmagundi Films to order your copy. For more screening dates refer to our NEWS section.
FRAMES OF MIND - Animating Life Stories (2010)
Working with Housing 21 Dementia Voice to develop the potential of animation and film as an interactive Life Story Tool. The Animation software we use is simple to operate, it allows immediate playback, which helps mitigate problems with short-term memory and enhances control. There are no linear narrative constraints in animation, no right or wrong, anything is possible, and for people with dementia it can be a liberating creative experience.
"Frames Of Mind - Animating Life Stories" was presented at the first Arts in Dementia Care, London Arts in Health Forum event. For a link to our article in the Journal of Dementia Care refer to our NEWS section.