Even in the later stages of the disease, when memory, words and relationships are affected, it is possible for people with dementia to express emotions, imagination, humour, sensitivities and personal preferences. This book demonstrates the many ways in which puppetry and associated art forms such as singing and story-telling can be used in a person-centred way to create opportunities for these human responses to emerge.The author describes different scenarios in which puppetry can help facilitate connections, including in response to changes in relationships, communicating when words fail and in times of distress or conflict. She explains how puppets can be used to stimulate memories, celebrate life achievements and promote self-esteem and confidence, as well as with those nearing the end of life as part of palliative care. Strategies for introducing puppetry and other forms of creative stimulation into daily care are suggested, and real examples are used to illustrate how creativity may benefit the person with dementia beyond the immediate session. Step-by-step instructions and templates for making a variety of puppets are also included.This thought-provoking book will be a source of inspiration and practical ideas for care staff and activity coordinators, creative arts therapists, occupational therapists, puppeteers and other artists working in care settings, as well as relatives of people with dementia looking for new ways to connect with their loved ones.
Introduction: The Man with a Kitten in his Pocket. 1. Old Joe Knows a Few Things: The World of Puppetry. 2. Kissing Scarves: Being Person-centred. 3. He Closes His Eyes When I am Near: Changes in Relationship. 4. The Amazing Grace of Dancing Birds: Communicating Beyond Words. 5. Rocky, My Friend: Connecting in Times of Distress or Conflict. 6. The Man Who Sandpapered the Air, with Pride: A Life Worth Living. 7. My Life is Like a Dolphin: Narrative Work, Puppets and Celebrations. 8. The Etiquette of Dreadful Singing: Singing Puppets. 9. The Dying Lady with a Diva on Her Bed: The World of Bed Theatre. 10. Get me that Red Lipstick, I'm Going to the Ball: Self-esteem through Puppetry. 11. 'Flobadob': Stimulating Memories. 12. The Exotic Bird Comes Home: Animal Puppets. 13. A Sentence a Day: Incorporating Creativity into Daily Practice. 14. It's Show Time! Puppetry as Entertainment. 15. I Did it My Way: Puppeteers who Live with Dementia. Appendix I: How to Make Model Theatre Puppets. Appendix II: How to Make Singing Sock Puppets. Appendix III: How to Make an Adult Glove Puppet. Appendix IV: How to Make a Jointed Rod or Table-top Puppet. Appendix V: How to Make a Bird Marionette. References. Index.
''The puppet is a tool - a weapon to transform the subconscious, to stir the emotions and to re-connect our memory. I understand this concept, and as Karrie discusses, it really works. I have worked all my life in using the puppet to break down barriers and get messages across to the public throughout the world. Be it with AIDS education, democracy and corruption education or creativity and communication in schools, universities or the corporate world, the results are always the same. The puppet or inanimate object has an innate power to communicate on a ''soul level''. A simple movement by an inanimate object fascinates us and can move us to tears without necessarily saying a word. Karrie puts it very aptly: we connect in the moment of 'now'.''- Gary Friedman, Gary Friedman Productions, CEO Corporate Creatures, and editor of www.puppetrynews.com''Triumph over adversity is something that is often praised, but this book shows us how to get so much more. Creating joy where there was despair is something so powerful as to seem miraculous. Karrie Marshall shows us the great value of using puppetry in care settings to achieve just that and then gives us the tools to do it for ourselves. Powerful, inspiring and empowering.''- Keith Walker, Policy Officer - Health Improvement, Highland Council, Choose Life Highland Coordinator''Calmly and lucidly, Karrie Marshall tells extraordinary stories of the positive impact which just one art form - puppetry - can have in one crucial and highly emotive field of healthcare: dementia. In doing so she also reminds us that we've not yet grasped the full power of the arts to change lives.''- Robert Livingstone, Director of HI~Arts, promoting the arts in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland''This book provides an excellent justification for the use of art, and more specifically puppetry, as a way of connecting with people with dementia who might otherwise have difficulties maintaining social interaction. Karrie Marshall has obviously researched her subject thoroughly and this book will be of use to anyone who has contact with people with dementia whether they be activity coordinators in care homes, formal carers or relatives. It seeks to introduce novel ways of enhancing the quality of life for people with dementia, at whatever stage they are in the condition.''- Dr Samantha Murphy, lecturer and Chair of the Open University module on Death and Dying, and module author on forthcoming Open University module on Dementia Care''With her innovative, creative approach, founded on years of experience, mixed with compassion, humour and boundless enthusiasm, Karrie builds beautiful bridges of hope, empowerment and inspiration for clients, relatives and staff alike.''- Jo Munroe, Project Worker (social care)
