Creating a relational arts-based academy for persons living with dementia

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Dementia Care Research
• Arts-Based Interventions

Background:

• Traditional dementia care models often lack a focus on person-centered, enriching environments.
• There is a growing need for innovative approaches that promote well-being and engagement for individuals with dementia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and foundational principles of an innovative learning academy for persons living with dementia.
• To explore the creation of a new culture of dementia care through a collaborative, arts-based model.

Main Methods:

• A hospital-university collaboration established a learning academy focused on a home-like, judgment-free, and relational space.
• Integration of relational philosophy, research, teaching-learning, and art with community and school partnerships.
• Implementation of arts-based inquiry centered on relationships, life enrichment, and engagement.

Main Results:

• The academy established essential foundations for a transformed dementia care culture.
• Partnerships facilitated the generation of innovative practices by merging research, education, and art.
• The initiative highlighted challenges and insights crucial for sustaining change in dementia care.

Conclusions:

• The collaborative learning academy offers a model for a more relational, arts-based approach to dementia care.
• This model promotes life enrichment, engagement, and a thriving environment for individuals with dementia.
• Sustaining such innovative practices requires significant commitment and strategic partnerships.