‘Some dance to remember’: Exploring the introduction of an adaptive Irish Céilí dance programme for people living with dementia and their carers in Ireland

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThis presentation reflects on a two‐year interdisciplinary arts‐based Masters by Research project which explored the psychosocial effects of a pilot adaptive Irish Céilí dance programme for people living with dementia and their carers. The Céilí dance activity was adapted to reflect participants’ levels of mobility, agility, ability, and cognitive skills.MethodBetween October 2019 and February 2020 field work involving people living with dementia and professional carers was conducted in a day care/respite centre based in the mid‐west region of Ireland. A phenomenological approach was adopted to investigate the lived experience of participants. Semi‐structured interviews with people living with dementia and professional care staff were conducted before, during and after the dance programme. All interviews were transcribed, and a thematic analysis lens applied to the data to facilitate analysis of emerging themes, commonalities and differences.ResultKey research themes include: enhanced reminiscence for the participant living with dementia, a greater sense of inclusion, and authentic mutual connectivity for both people with dementia and their carers who took part in the dance activity.ConclusionAn adaptive Irish Céilí dance programme can enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia and care staff. The research suggests that this dance programme warrants expansion to other dementia care facilities throughout Ireland and potentially internationally in areas with significant Irish cultural connections.