Creative Spaces: In a nutshell

dementia, communities & environments

Our Creative Spaces in the Community project is using the outdoors and nature-focused activities to build social networks, foster independence and enhance the physical and mental health of older people living with dementia in rural communities in Cornwall.

We'll be using this section as a place to generally share our thoughts on dementia and those it affects, including relevant projects, events, activities etc. If we've read it, written it, seen it or heard it and we think it should be 'out there' then here's where we'll share it.

With the doors finally closed on the Creative Spaces project, reflecting on what has been an amazing 4 years is a natural part of the process.

Articles summarising the last year of the project will be forthcoming on our website (an evaluation report for Years 1 – 3 is already on there). In the meantime it's been useful to ‘download’ project highlights from my own little grey cells. As you would expect, there’s a lot to tease out and too much to put in this blog, but here are some snippets:

Intergenerational activities
The young people involved had little trouble accepting older people with dementia. The skills they gained in dementia awareness and communication helped, but it was through the intergenerational activities that they really connected with each other.

The stories
These were such a powerful element of the project. For example, there were accounts about family life, friends, growing up, outdoor experiences , jobs and hobbies. All inspired by the outdoors and/or nature-based activities. Stories were shared by a master bookbinder, a couple who had lived all around the world and a Cornish Bard, to name but a few from the many people involved. People who discovered an affinity through shared experiences and better understanding and helped to enrich each others lives.

Supporting carers
Home carers living in rural areas in particular need improved support to access local groups and organisations. Our community workshops and events both highlighted and helped address this issue. We met people who were desperate to find social support and the confidence to try activities that enriched their lives and removed feelings of isolation and depression. For many, the fortnightly trip to their memory cafe was the only social occasion they had.

So in a nutshell, get creative with dementia care; organise intergenerational activities, make better use of outdoor environments, use natural materials to create meaningful activities and keep costs down, stimulate social interaction for those diagnosed with dementia and their carers. Trust me, you'll be on to a winner.

Wendy

Project Manager

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dementia, communities & environments

In a nutshell