Queen’s University Belfast and Dementia NI launch shared reading resource pack
A resource pack to support shared reading for people with dementia has been launched by Queen’s University Belfast and Dementia NI.
The resource pack is designed to help individuals and organisations to set up and facilitate shared reading groups tailored to people living with dementia. Typically, these reading groups would involve reading a short story or poem aloud and discussing it afterwards.
The resource pack is linked to the ‘Still Reading’ project, which has been running shared reading groups for people living with dementia in community settings across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as training library staff in shared reading.
Paul, who lives with dementia, has been taking part in shared reading groups and says:
“People sit down in a group and we read large bits out of books. It’s to learn something and to read a book but it’s more than that. It’s where you actually try to express yourself, and once you’re trying to express yourself it makes life easier for you.”
Dr Jane Lugea, from Queen’s University, says:
“Many people think that reading literature is a skill lost with dementia, but it doesn’t have to be if the right adjustments are put in place. Studies have shown that shared reading can help alleviate symptoms, while also improving confidence and quality of life for people with dementia. These reading groups give people with dementia a chance to enjoy reading in a social setting, providing a stimulating and enjoyable activity – much like a book club without the homework.”
You can download the resource pack here: https://blogs.qub.ac.uk/stillreading/resources/shared-reading-for-people-living-with-dementia-a-resource-pack/
This work is aligned with the National Year of Reading (which we reported on here https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/examples-of-reading-for-people-living-with-dementia-go-all-in).