A simple, age appropriate activity for adults with dementia and other cognitive impairments.
SIMPLE, RECOGNISABLE IMAGES TO SPARK CONVERSATION
Colouring-in is a simple, pleasurable activity that can take us outside ourselves, relaxing the brain.
The Arts Programme team at Southmead Hospital were keen to make colouring books available on wards but found that older people, particularly those with cognitive impairments such as dementia, couldn’t access a lot of the highly decorative, complicated pictures in standard colouring books, and didn’t have any connection with the images.
Working with Fresh Arts at NHS NBT, we developed a simple, age appropriate colouring book that would make sense to people with dementia. Each page included a recognisable scene which enabled people to talk about something familiar. A way in, unlocking memories and sparking conversation
We developed a few trial pages to test response from patients and medical professionals – which informed the design of this simple colouring book. The themes and images are clear, easy to use and appropriate for older people.
The Impact
The colouring book gives the opportunity for reminiscence and engagement through a calm, uncomplicated activity.
who we worked with
Ruth Sidgewick, Arts Programme Manager, Fresh Arts
Funded by
Southmead Hospital ICU Charity
