The Value of Playwork for Care Home Residents Living With Dementia: A Pilot Study

TL;DR

This pilot study explores using playwork methods in dementia care homes to improve residents' emotional well-being and engagement.

Contribution

It introduces the novel application of playwork principles to dementia care and evaluates its feasibility and impact.

Findings

Playwork approaches can be adapted for older adults with dementia, promoting emotional well-being and engagement.

Sessions positively impacted residents' sense of recognition and social interaction.

Care staff expertise was crucial, but their engagement was limited, affecting continuity.

Abstract

Playwork is a profession that focuses on enabling and enriching children’s play experiences, creating a space for spontaneous, self-directed play. The application of playwork principles to dementia care holds promise and resonates with a relational approach to care. However, this area of practice has not yet been explored. This study aimed to explore if and how playwork approaches could be applied with people living with dementia and their impact on residents and those delivering the programme. A five-week playwork programme, delivered by undergraduate playwork students and lecturers, was piloted in a care home, with residents living with dementia. Interviews were conducted with care home staff, students, and playwork lecturers, and reflective diaries of the playwork sessions were maintained by students and lecturers. The findings indicate that playworkers can feasibly adapt their approaches so they are appropriate for older adults living with dementia. Playworkers can encourage agency and support free expression and exploration for residents. The sessions were perceived as having a positive impact on residents’ emotional wellbeing, sense of recognition, social interaction, and engagement, as well as on some staff members’ assessments of residents’ abilities. The study also highlights the crucial role of care staff expertise during the sessions, particularly in addressing the medical and physiological needs of residents. However, engaging care staff proved challenging, resulting in a lack of continuity after the project concluded.

Figures