In recent years there has been growing awareness of the needs of the ageing population in the UK. Dramatherapy is being increasingly used as a creative means of engaging with and supporting older adults, who often experience increased physical frailty, sensory impairment and/or dementia. This article explores a project that took place over a period of four years offering group dramatherapy in different London boroughs. The article covers the aims, setting up and delivery of the project and evaluation methods. Vignettes and case studies highlight specific interventions and responses, and along with outcomes, show the overall benefit of the project to the clients and organisations involved.
AllanK., and KillickJ.2010. “Communicating with People with Dementia.” In Supportive Care for the Person with Dementia, edited by HughesJ. C., Lloyd-WilliamsM., and SachsG. A.Oxford: Oxford University Press.
2.
AshworthM., ShepherdM., ChristeyJ., MatthewsV., WrightK., ParmentierH., RobinsonS., and GodfreyE.2004. “A Client-Generated Psychometric Instrument: The Development of ‘PSYCHLOPS’.” Counselling and Psychotherapy Research4 (2): 27–31. doi:10.1080/14733140412331383913.
3.
CrimmensP.1998. Storymaking and Creative Groupwork with Older People. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
GibsonF.2011. Reminiscence and Life Story Work: A Practice Guide. 4th ed. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
6.
KnockerS.2001. “A Meeting of Worlds: Play and Metaphor in Dementia Care and Dramatherapy.” Dramatherapy23 (2): 4–9. doi:10.1080/02630672.2001.9689578.
7.
MorrellL., FarinaN., and BanerjeeS.2014. Roundabout Dramatherapy. The Big Lottery Service Evaluation. Brighton: Centre for Dementia Studies, Brighton and Sussex Medical School.
