Digital adaptations to arts programme delivery for people living with dementia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

Learning from the challenges and successes of online arts delivery during the pandemic is crucially important for considering long-term sustainable solutions that enable people living with dementia to remotely participate in meaningful activities.

Methods

Twenty-eight arts workers responded to an online survey exploring i) the meaning of face-to-face arts activities that were replicated online, ii) perceived motivations to attend, iii) successes and challenges in adapting arts for online/socially distanced setting.

Results

Responses described arts giving structure and purpose to people living with dementia and their carers, a sense of community, and a way to reduce physical isolation. Success on digital delivery of arts depended on how inclusive practices were in relation to different abilities, technology experience and support levels.

Conclusions

Despite challenges, the range of interactions across activities demonstrated various ways for people living with dementia to make a contribution, feeding into the feelings of purpose and belonging in the online/digital community.