Artist | Illustrator | Teacher
art & dementia
Research
Everyone was blown away by the outcomes. The effects on their wellbeing were profound.
There is a growing body of research evidence on the connections between art and health and wellbeing, but I have known all my life about the "feel good" effects of art making, and especially drawing.
After witnessing both of my parents' heartbreaking transition into aged care, I knew there was more that could be done to improve the quality of life for the elderly. So I began a PhD project to study the potential of drawing as a healthy endeavour for people living with dementia.
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My research was one of the first to study the potential of drawing apps and their usability for cognitive and physically challenged people.
After extensive research, I designed and developed the Drawing Memories Program, customising the activities for a diverse range of (dis)abilities. The program was implemented and tested over 12 weeks in two Uniting Care Aged Care facilities. The effects that art making had on their wellbeing was profound.
The findings were presented at the 2013 Design4Health Conference, Sheffield, England and the 6th Annual International Arts and Health Conference 2014, Melbourne Australia and the 2018 Creativity and the Brain Symposium, Newcastle, Australia. The Drawing Memories workshop was presented at the 2019 RED Conference - A Regional Experience in Dementia Care, Port Macquarie NSW. It has appeared on the SBS Radio Viva segment The Benefits of Getting into Art and proudly sits on Dementia Australia in their webinar: Creativity and Dementia.
There is such a huge need for ongoing research in the area of dementia and other cognitive and physical disabilities, including those living with Parkinson's, and how the arts can improve their wellbeing. I'm keen to partner with funding bodies and anyone who wants to link arms with me and my vision to promote better quality of life for those living with dementia and disability.
Contact me to discuss future research collaboration or visit Artintuit for full details on my work in creative ageing.