Agency and Co-creativity in Dementia Care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding Agency and the effect of Co-creative Arts in Dementia Care
IRAS ID
269197
Contact name
Millie van der Byl Williams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the Arts London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 0 days
Research summary
Whilst a cure for dementia remains a distant goal, there needs to be more research into ways in which we can improve the lives of those living with and alongside dementia presently. This research will explore agency within 'Creative Encounters' - a co-creative arts programme in dementia care homes in East London. A recent study demonstrated the co-creative arts have particular value for people with dementia in relation to wellbeing and agency (Zeilig et al., 2019). This research will build upon and extend the theoretical work put forward in this study.
The aim of this research is:
- To explore the effect of co-creative arts on agency in dementia care, and extend our understanding of this concept.This research will
- Explore the effect of co-creative arts sessions on the agency of residents in two dementia care homes
- Explore the concept of agency in relation to dementia care through interviews with residents and staff in two dementia care homes, and through an online survey aimed at people living with and alongside dementia.Data will be gathered as part of an educational project - MVDBW's PhD.
The study design will be mainly qualitative with some limited quantitative analysis of the survey data. The observational study will be carried out in 2 care homes, over the course of 7 months.
The staff and residents who participate in the study will be recruited on the advice of care home managers. The positive benefits will outweigh any negative impact.
MVDBW’s PhD is funded by the London College of Fashion (UAL).
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1557
Date of REC Opinion
18 Nov 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion