Weave me through a dream : How can textile craft, specifically tapestry weaving, help create a more creative environment when caring for elders with dementia, and what benefits could come from that?

Sammanfattning

In the project Weave me through a dream I explore how textile craft, specifically tapestry weaving, can help create a more creative environment when caring for elders with dementia, and what the benefits with this can be. The research was done in collaboration with a nursing home in Stockholm, where I previously worked as a care assistant. This paper discusses and examines gathered research material combined with experiences from the care assistant job. In the process the project transformed from the therapeutic aspect of craft towards caring through craft in social engagement. The exhibited physical work is an interpretation of interactions at the nursing home. The tapestry can be used as discussion material concerning dementia care. My research concludes that weaving in dementia care was beneficial for the residents I met. My conclusion is also that a more creative environment within dementia care can strengthen staff and relatives affecting the residents in a positive way. The project Weave me through a dream hopes to open up the image of dementia and strengthen the relationship between residents, staff and relatives through creative care.