Creativity, Dementia and the Therapeutic Environment

This book aims to explore the physical environment and thelevel of success of creative expression programs for seniors withmild cognitive impairment to moderate dementia. It focuses on thecircumstances that enhance or limit the seniors' ability to expressthemselves creatively. Understanding the physical, cognitive andsocial abilities of this population helps define the strategies fordesigning the shape and form of the physical environment. Withappropriate architectural planning and design, such environmentshave the potential to attract seniors with dementia to stay in thespace and become engaged in creative expression activities. But thespace alone is not enough to engage the seniors. Success inimplementing a creative expression program is linked strongly withan understanding of the seniors? physical and cognitive abilitiesand with the commitment of the facilitator to adopt a flexibleapproach to each individual. This book is based on qualitativeresearch conducted with seniors at two adult day care centres. Itwill be of interest to health professionals, architects anddesigners, care providers, administrators of care facilities andfamilies of people with dementia.