The research project aims to examine creative strategies for
enhancing positive wellbeing through innovative playful activities for
people living with dementia in long-term residential care.
Objectives will be met by undertaking case study interviews and
observations with professional carers, activity facilitators, and
occupational therapists in order to gain insights into the psychological
needs of persons with dementia and ways in which these needs are met. A
framework for designing strategies will be developed through analysis
of these insights and contextualized with theories drawn from fields
including: Person Centered Care, Creativity Studies, Design Interaction,
and Aesthetics.
Using Participatory Research Methods with residential care staff, it
is intended that activities will be designed to be appropriate, goal
free, focused on living in the moment, and tailored to meet the needs of
residents and care staff within long-term dementia units.
