Seeking Meaning: Making Art and the Experience of Spirituality in Dementia Care

How do people find meaning in the experience of dementia? Can people living with dementia be supported in meaningful activities that may alleviate depression and increase their sense of well-being? Many programs are offered for people in residential aged care, but little is known about the effectiveness of these programs. This article reports on the qualitative component of a study engaging 15 older adults with dementia and depression in a program of personcentered art making. The weekly facilitated study groups met over an 18-month period, with a three-month follow up. The importance of engagement in the process of art making is emphasised.