Abstract
AbstractThis paper reports on a study which examined the notions of authenticity and citizenship for people living with cognitive impairment or dementia in a care home in the North-East of England. We demonstrated that both notions were present and were encouraged by engagement with an artist, where this involved audio and visual recordings and the creation of a film. The artist's interactions were observed by a non-participant observer using ethnographic techniques, including interviews with the residents, their families and the staff of the care home. The data were analysed using grounded theory and the constant comparative method of qualitative analysis. Our findings suggest that participatory art might help to maintain and encourage authenticity and citizenship in people living with dementia in a care home. Certainly, authenticity and citizenship are notions worth pursuing in the context of dementia generally, but especially in care homes.
Highlights
This study aimed to show how and the extent to which authenticity and citizenship could be realised for people living with cognitive impairment and dementia in a care home
People living with dementia are able to present themselves as being true to themselves and as having interests and the ability to flourish in ways that indicate authenticity; they are able to articulate their understanding of citizenship and demonstrate their commitment to their current community
We have shown that authenticity and citizenship persist and can be maintained and encouraged in people living with dementia in a care home in the North-East of England
Summary
This study aimed to show how and the extent to which authenticity and citizenship could be realised for people living with cognitive impairment and dementia in a care home. Participatory arts practice was used as a means to this end. The focus was on the possibility of maintaining and enhancing authenticity and citizenship. We wished to learn more about both notions by examining them in this setting. Dementia Dementia is a syndrome caused by a great variety of diseases, but by Alzheimer’s disease, vascular pathology and Lewy body disease (Hughes, 2011a). It is estimated that by 2040 there will be 90.3 million people worldwide with
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