DISCLAIMER: Arts 4 Dementia takes no responsibility for the content of these web pages, which are provided in good faith for guidance only.

What you can find on this page.

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Arts in Dementia Care

General

Alzheimers’ Society Dementia Experience Toolkit – A mine of invaluable information for working with people living with dementia. Check out How to recruit people affected by dementia and Plan for involvement and getting feedback about the experience of people living with dementia.

Age of Creativity – An online platform to share, celebrate and inspire work in the field of arts and older people.

Bright Shadow – Celebrating the here and now through creative group activities, enabling people with dementia and those affected by it to thrive.

Circle Dance in Dementia – Provide training days around the country, training staff from a range of care provision in Homes, Day Centres, Community Groups, Local Authorities and the NHS, and community musicians and dancers.

Creative Arts East – Brings professional theatre, music, cinema and cultural opportunities to rural and disadvantaged communities across Norfolk, Suffolk and the East.

Creative Dementia Arts Network – Promoting the health and well being of people with dementia through creative arts.

Creative Health CIC – Works with health and wellbeing partners to plan, commission, produce and evaluate arts and health projects.

Creative Horizons Cumbria – Set up in 2011 to develop reminiscence in a more creative and meaningful way. It uses the past creatively to enhance the present through a range of creative reminiscence activities. Some of the activities include poetry, art and craft, drama and improvisation, music and movement.

Embrace Arts  – The University of Leicester’s Attenborough Arts Centre prides itself on being accessible and inclusive. We want everyone to feel welcome and get involved in what we do. We are a pioneering arts centre designed to include everyone. We are proud to champion emerging talent and disability-led performance companies, supporting those starting their careers.

Equal Arts – We are advocates of creative ageing, providing opportunities for self-expression to help improve wellbeing.  In recent years we have explored the effects of creative activity on people experiencing early signs of dementia, and people over 60 who were isolated and therefore at risk of developing mental health problems.

Exeter Healthcare Arts – Exeter Health Care Arts (EHCA) was established in 1992 as the arts project for the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust. We hold Live Arts events, exhibitions, and environmental schemes in public and clinical areas, both inside and out.

London Arts in Health Forum – The organisation is free to join and offers events, a regular newsletter, training sessions, advice and support for artists, architects, clinical staff and service users – basically anyone with an interest in arts in health. LAHF currently has nearly 3,000 members from London and further afield.

MoMA | Meet Me  – MoMA staff expanded on the success of the Museum’s existing education programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their care partners through the development of training resources intended for use by arts and health professionals on how to make art accessible to people with dementia using MoMA’s teaching methodologies and approach.

My Life Films – My Life Films is a UK-registered not-for-profit charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by dementia. They provide ‘Life Story Films’ for individuals and families living with dementia, creating a 30-minute film featuring images from family albums, interviews with the ‘star’ and their family members, accompanied by their favourite music tracks. They also offer the first video-on-demand streaming service for people living with dementia.

The Lightbox – Our programming is diverse, from classical through to contemporary art, from local to internationally famous artists, we both create our own exhibitions and borrow works from major museums and galleries in the UK and overseas.

Resonate Arts – Our programme of activities range from group sessions for those in residential care to one-to-one interventions for people living in their own homes and at risk of isolation. Activities include supported visits to galleries and theatres that enhance and compliment individual care plans, and help people to feel part of their wider community.

Yew Tree Arts is a professional arts organisation. We do training, workshops, performances and films. We specialise in partnership working and creating bespoke projects.

Visual Arts

Arts and Crafts for people with Alzheimer’s – This article discusses the very real benefits of art therapy for patients with dementia (as proven by numerous studies). The article also lists the types of activities that are most beneficial, and provide some tips on purchasing materials for various arts and crafts projects.

Dulwich Picture Gallery: Good Times – Prescription for Art – Works with day centres, community centres and care homes to challenge negative perceptions about ageing and dementia, and to improve links between generations by celebrating the positive contributions that older people make in society. Designed to combat isolation and build trust to engage harder-to-reach audiences ensuring that they feel welcomed at the Gallery and willing to return.

The Wallace Collection – The Wallace Collection is a national museum in an historic London town house. In 25 galleries are unsurpassed displays of French 18th-century painting, furtinure and porcelain with superb Old Master paintings and a world class armoury.

Tovertafel – enlightened entertainment – a series of interactive games for people with moderate to severe dementia, encouraging them to instinctively participate in order to stimulate both physical and social activity. The games consist of interactive light animations which are projected on any table and which motivate the mind and inspire those living with dementia to be active. See also www.tovertafel.co.uk.

JAMS Art Booklet – an art workbook for people living with moderate to later-stage dementia. The booklet consists of a variety of arts activities and puzzles and also includes links to videos, music and guided meditation.

Dance

Sadler’s Wells– Our goal is to grow the public’s enjoyment and understanding of dance by making dance relevant, meaningful and enriching. At the same time we seek to develop the art form by supporting artists and the creation of exciting new work.

People Dancing – The professional organisation for anyone involved in creating opportunities for people to experience and participate in dance.

Let’s Dance with Change for Life – Change4Life is a society-wide movement that aims to prevent people from becoming overweight by encouraging them to eat better and move more. The campaign aims to inspire a societal movement in which everyone who has an interest in preventing obesity, be they Government, business, healthcare professionals, charities, schools, families or individuals, can play their part.

Music

Music for Dementia 2020– Our mission is simple – to make music available to everyone living with dementia by 2020.  Led by The Utley Foundation, the campaign aims to 1) Have the support of the music, social, health,  and care sectors in making music readily available for people living with dementia; 2) Create a collective understanding across society that music is a necessity for people living with dementia and they need access to it now.

Lost Chord – Lost Chord produces more than 1,300 interactive musical sessions a year in 130 homes, designed to stimulate responses from people with dementia through the media of music, song and dance.

Institut für Bildung und Kultur – The Institute for Education and Culture (IfBK) has two areas of focus. One area of specialization is comprehensive management of classical music artists and the other is developing continuing education concepts for people of all ages and professional backgrounds.

Orchestras Live – We create environments where music and creativity can thrive.? We work to ensure communities across the country have access to world-class orchestral experiences, addressing the inequalities of opportunity to access high quality live orchestral music.

Playlist for Life is working to bring the benefits of personally meaningful music in dementia care to as many people as possible, wherever they may be in the UK.  Playlist for Life wants everyone with dementia to have a unique, personal playlist – all the tunes that are most deeply attached to your memories and emotions, gathered together in one place, the soundtrack of your life.

Singing for Seniors by Vocal Vitality – We provide singing activities in day centres and care homes. We have also developed a training package including resources to train activities staff and care staff to facilitate regular, effective music sessions without the need for a professional musician. We offer a variety of themed, easy-to-use songbooks and CDs which can be used throughout the year as part of your activities programme.

The Sage Gateshead – Our extensive Join In and Make Music programme enables everyone of every age or ability to become involved in music. It covers early years, work with schools, vocal and instrumental learning, professional learning, community music, Further and Higher Education, and professional development.

Literature and spoken word

Jessica Kingsley Publishers – We publish books for professionals and general readers in a range of subjects. We are well known for our long established lists on the autism spectrum, social work, and arts therapies. More recently we have published extensively in the fields of mental health, counselling, palliative care and practical theology. We have a range of graphic novels across these subject areas, and books for children, on issues including bereavement, depression and anger.

Living Words is an arts and literature organisation, created in 2007 by Susanna Howard.  Working with people experiencing dementia and isolated and disempowered people, Living Words supports free speech and expression.

Many Happy Returns for Generations – Sarah Reed founded Many Happy Returns in 2008…After interviewing more than 120 older people about their happy memories from their youth, she developed, designed and published unique 1940s and 1950s ‘Chatterbox’ cards which make encounters across the generations more fun and rewarding for everyone involved, through rich, enjoyable conversation.

Physical exercise

Positive Spin is a groundbreaking project that enables people with dementia to cycle. Starting in Lambeth and rolling out across London, the aims of the project are to offer a fun social activity to enhance health and wellbeing for people with dementia and their carers and to evaluate the benefits of cycling for people and their families.

Carers

tide ‘together in dementia everyday’ is a UK wide network of carers, former carers and health and care professionals who are working together to build a better future for carers of people living with dementia. We’re determined to change the way carers are recognised, valued and treated. We believe that services and support for carers of people with dementia are a fundamental and necessary human right. It is our mission to ensure that the needs of these carers are recognised and valued by everyone

Carers Trust – We work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems. Our vision: a world where the role and contribution of unpaid carers is recognised and they have access to the quality support and services they need to live their own lives.

Carers UK – Making life better for carers.

Dementia Carers Count – We’re working for a world where all family carers of people with dementia feel confident, supported and heard. Our professional support and expert-led courses will help you develop skills and build confidence to navigate the highs and lows. We give you the opportunity to meet and connect with other family carers like you, and we’re here to listen, too.

Greenwood Home Care – A list of activities for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. A valuable resource for those caring for people with dementia.

NHS Choices/Carers Direct NHS Choices is the UK’s biggest health website. It provides a comprehensive health information service to help put you in control of your healthcare.

Supercarers – 13 Stimulating dementia activities.  SuperCarers is an introductory service which helps connect individuals and organisations with trusted and vetted carers in their area.

The Good Care Group Tips on finding a live-in carer – what to look for and how to go about it. Here you’ll find tips on how to make your home suitable for a live-in carer.

Rainbow Memory Café Organised by Opening Doors London, this Rainbow Memory Café offers a sociable and supportive space for those in the LGBTQ+ community living with dementia and their carers. The café is currently being run online over Zoom during the coronavirus lockdown. Follow the link to find out more, or contact info@openingdoorslondon.org.uk

NHS and General Health

FutureNHS  – The FutureNHS Collaboration Platform is the only virtual collaboration platform from the NHS that supports people working in health and social care to make change, improve and transform across organisations, places and professions.

NHS My Health London  – My Health London has  developed a series of  Health Communities that offer information about specific areas of health and social care services in London. Each community is distinct, offering a range of benefits, including interactive maps of services, comparison tools, relevant news, events, features and blogs.

Department of Health: Living Well With Dementia: A National Dementia Strategy Accessible Summary (PDF)  – A strategic framework within for making quality improvements to dementia services and addressing health inequalities.

Our Dental Care: Improving Oral Health For Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease Or Related Disorders (ADRD)– Caregiver tips on ensuring comfort and familiarity during dental appointments for individuals living with dementia.

Dental care – Advises on dementia and oral health.

DrugDangers – While prescription drugs can cure medical conditions and save lives, they can also cause harm. Defective drugs are known to cause severe adverse effects. Find out here.

Drugwatch– Provides extensive information on drug interactions, side effects and device recalls.

Guide to Hearing Health covers loud sounds that should be avoided, tips on protecting your hearing health and answers to the most pressing hearing-related questions.

Re:Cognition Health provides a comprehensive and innovative clinical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cognitive impairment, which is the medical term for problems with any aspect of thinking ability.

Canterbury Christ Church University – For more than 50 years, Canterbury Christ Church University has been a big part of the Kent community, providing education which makes a real and positive difference to people’s lives.

The University of Worcester, Association of Dementia Studies – We are a multi-professional group of educationalists, researchers and practitioners who are expert in the field of person-centred dementia care and support. People with dementia, their families and their carers inform the work of ADS at all stages.

Avoiding Isolation – This guide provides tips on how you can combat the isolation or loneliness which often occur in old age.

The Comprehensive Guide to Back Pain and Neck Pain: Causes, Relief, and Treatment. – A guide to the causes, relief, and treatment of back and neck pain.

Driving and Dementia – This guide offers advice on how dementia can affect your driving ability, and what support is available for you.

Healthy Living for the Elderly – This page provides accessible information about how nutritional needs change as we age.

Senior’s Guide to Healthy Eating – For seniors who make healthy eating an essential part of their life, they’re more likely to enjoy a stronger immune system, better overall health, and a stronger quality of life.  This guide is to help seniors live a fulfilling life, starting with a foundation of good nutrition.

The challenges of Seniors who smoke – Any age is a good age to quit smoking. There is a common misconception that it’s impossible for seasoned smokers to break the habit, followed by another fallacy how they lack the impulse to quit smoking. Although challenging, the road to a smoke-free life is possible for senior citizens, as long they possess a proper drive and support.  This article will help you.

Melo – A real-time music-sharing device for older people to connect and listen to music with their loved ones, no matter where they are in the world.

The Age-Well Project – A website and blog that looks at the science behind ageing well, and how you can apply this to your daily life.

51 Tips to help you live well with dementia – This in-depth infographic from UK Care Guide provides you with a whole range of tips to help those living with dementia, whether that be yourself or a loved one.

Guides for caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia at home

Unforgettable– Useful products, services and advice for people living with dementia, including an excellent free service for creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

10 Early Symptoms of Dementia – A list of symptoms which may suggest someone has dementia, raising awareness and promoting an early diagnosis.

How to make a home safe for a person with Alzheimer’s – In-depth guide to improving safety for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia living at home. This US website includes useful information for carers. Scroll down past the statistics to the risk reduction section with the big 1,2,3.

Preparing your home for a loved one with Alzheimer’s – This guide will cover all the adjustments you should consider making room by room, with tips on creating both the safest surroundings and the most secure environment.

Caring for someone with dementia: a guide – by the European Nursing Agency (ENA).

Caring.com: Dementia and Alzheimer’s – Understand better the symptoms of different types of dementia and Alezheimer’s and how you can help care for a loved one

Dementia Care Dos & Don’ts: Dealing with Dementia Behavior Problems – Understand and learn which strategies are most effective in dementia behaviour management.

10 Stimulating Activities for Alzheimer’s Patients – 10 activities to try with your loved one.

Cooking with Alzheimer’s – There are many benefits in cooking or baking with someone living with Alzheimer’s.

Sensory Rooms for Dementia – Read more about the benefits of sensory room therapy and how you can create your own sensory room for your senior loved one.

The Caregiver’s Guide to Car Travel with Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s  – This guide will help you find better ways to transport your Alzheimer’s loved one by car.

First Aid for People Living with Alzhimer’s – This guide discusses the specific problems posed to first aid by Alzhimer’s, and how to deal with these safely and effectively.

Communicating without words – Sometimes people living with dementia can find it difficult to communicate using language, so considering the five senses can be beneficial.

Memo – Sensory therapy for people with Alzheimer’s.

Sentic – A music player for people living with dementia.

Mental health

Mind We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

BrainHub – Mental health portal – your questions answered by experts on video.

Counselling Directory – Dementia counselling – Dementia counselling can help those with dementia and their families deal with the diagnosis. Counselling is recognised as an effective tool for helping make life feel more normal for people with early stages of dementia. It’s an excellent support line for carers struggling with big changes and new responsibilities. The site offers information and the ability to connect with a counsellor.

Promoting Mental Health at Home: How to Design the Perfect Meditation Room – Guide to designing the perfect meditation room in your own home, and reap the most benefits from your meditation time.

Brain Games to Fight Dementia Advice on activities to exercise your brain!

How Music Helps with Mental HealthThe mind-boosting benefits of music therapy.

Mobility and assistance

AT Dementia – AT Dementia provides information on Assistive Technology that can help people with dementia live more independently.

Stairlifts Reviews –  To help you make an informed decision about buying a stairlift.  The website includes a section on grants that may be available.

UKS Mobility – a family business with over twelve years experience supplying mobility equipment and healthcare products to the public. We also supply organisations such as the NHS, SAFA, Age Concern and Private Nursing homes.

Disaster Safety & Assistive Technology – Protection for Seniors and the Disabled – How you can better prepare for emergencies involving senior loved ones.

Assisted Living – This guide can help you decide whether moving into assisted living is right for you or your loved ones.

Making your home dementia friendly – The Alzheimer’s Society have produced this useful booklet, describing ways to create a home environment that supports a person with dementia.

Unforgettable– Useful products, services and advice for people living with dementia, including an excellent free service for creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

Money matters

Age UK Pension Calculator  – Helping you plan for your retirement.

Household Quotes – Benefits and grants available for older people. Every year in the UK, a staggering £3.7bn worth of benefits fail to be claimed by the older generation. Check this site to see what you may be missing.

Lost Pensions Guide – In a 2013 AGE UK survey it was revealed that 23% of adults in the UK have lost track of at least one pension scheme.

Benefits and Grants for Older People in 2018 – Guide to help older people make the most of the benefits and grants available to them from 2018.

What disability and sickness benefits can I claim? – A guide to the options.

Are you eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding? – If you have a disability or complex medical problem you may qualify.

Charitable grants for ill or disabled people – Find out about what’s available.

Moving advice – This guide gives advice on how to plan a housing move. It also provides a helpful timeline.

The Senior Citizen’s Guide to Privacy Online – This article advises on how to make the most of online banking and healthcare, whilst staying safe and avoiding scams.

Guide to Online Shopping for Seniors – This blog provides information on how to shop safely online, detailing the benefits and giving advice.

Organising a fundraiser event

The Essential Guide to Planning a Fundraising Event. – If you’d like to plan an event to raise funds for A4D or for your own charity, here’s a great guide.

DISCLAIMER: Arts 4 Dementia takes no responsibility for the content of these web pages, which are provided in good faith for guidance only.