Creating Conversations - Dementia Activity Toolkit

Project Details:

​​The “Creating Conversations: A Dementia Activity Toolkit to Reduce Social Isolation” project involved: (i) the adaptation and piloting of a dementia activity toolkit for a Canadian audience; and (ii) evaluating the efficacy of the adapted toolkit.

Based on the original "Creating Conversations" toolkit developed in Scotland by Artlink Central and evaluated by the University of Stirling, the dementia toolkit (DTK) was adapted for a Canadian audience to enhance care and reduce social isolation for persons with dementia. The purpose of the toolkit is to provide opportunities to create meaningful social engagements by encouraging conversations, self-expression, and creativity through a semi-structured process. By design, this toolkit provides caregivers a resource that encourages conversations and interactions with persons with dementia (PwD).

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The DTK consists of a tablecloth, discussion cards, and a booklet. These were designed around the theme of gardening, using imagery from Canadian holiday symbols, natural resources, and Indigenous teachings. Using real-life photographs and texture embedded into the core design of the toolkit was important, along with the colour choice.

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The results of the pilot highlighted that the toolkit has helped to create conversations by providing enough stimulus for natural conversation to occur. Additionally, it has shown to reduce negative emotions in PwD. Other outcomes from the project are:

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• Reduction of social isolation and enhancement of care for PwD;

• Provided PwD with creative, participatory opportunities for social engagement in a variety of environments;

• Enhancement of communication and engagement between the caregiver and PwD;

• Tools and activities for caregivers that allow them to engage more creatively and meaningfully with PwD;

• Utilized gardening-based activities for creating a fun and multi-sensory experience with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social elements for PwD;

• And increased conversation and interaction between PwD at the facilities.

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This project was completed by the end of 2022.

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This project was funded by the Community-based Innovations for Dementia Care Grant.

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Project Leads: Erika Goble, PhD. (NorQuest College), Steve Friesen (Bethany Care Society)

Co-Investigators: Kevin Harrison (Artlink Central), Vikki McCall (University of Stirling)

Partners: