Evaluation of Reminiscence Arts for Dementia Impact on Quality of Life
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploratory evaluation of the Age-Exchange Reminiscence Arts and Dementia - Impact on Quality of Life (RADIQL) Project
IRAS ID
129330
Contact name
Frank Keating
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University of London
Research summary
There is growing interest in the development of non-medical interventions to improve the quality of life of people with dementia. Reminiscence and arts practice are good examples of such interventions. This evaluation is informed by a belief and approach that people with severe/advanced dementia are able to express their views about what is important to them (Williams, 2010), but may do this differently from people with less severe forms of dementia. It also takes the view that a more nuanced approach is needed to assess quality of life(QOL) for people with severe/advanced dementia and that the focus should not only be on improvements and behaviour changes, but also on ‘non-deterioration’ or preservation of symptoms and behaviour.
Purpose of Project
This project aims to evaluate the introduction of reminiscence and arts activities in continuing NHS and Social Care homes for people with dementia in Southwark and Lambeth. The intervention will be delivered by Age Exchange which is a Charity in South London with longstanding experience of delivering reminiscence and arts therapy to people with dementia. The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the impact of the intervention on the overall well-being and quality of life of people with dementia. The specific research questions are:
a) What difference, if any, does arts and reminiscence practice make to the quality of life, including well-being for older people with dementia?
b) How successfully have reminiscence and arts practice reached its specific intended outcomes for older people with dementia?
c) What difference does arts and reminiscence practice make for frontline carers (paid and unpaid) for older people with dementia?REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0903
Date of REC Opinion
29 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion