Joan/Hal

Age Concern Central Lancashire commissioned 5 artists to create work based on residencies in Dementia Care settings. As a selected artist, I worked with the staff and service users in dementia care settings in Preston and Ormskirk. I developed two dance films in response to my time in residence at Lady Elsie Finney House, Withy Trees Day Centre, Charnley Fold Resource Centre and Brookside Extra Care Scheme. I was asked to reflect on the theme ‘home’ for the residency. What makes a place feel like home and whether dementia or experiencing the care system might change what home means. Throughout the residency opportunities I met with families and those living with dementia to share ideas. I listened to challenging as well as heart-warming stories. This project offered an important opportunity to break down some of the preconceptions and stigmas associated with dementia and the experience of living in care. I wanted to show that people with dementia have fascinating and important stories to tell, and important creative contributions to make.