Alzheimer’s Australia
Guiding Tours for People with Dementia Program

The lives of people with dementia, and their carers, are often characterised by social isolation and a lack of leisure activities. This is especially true for those living in residential care facilities. Relying on the growing body of evidence that engagement with the arts can help people to alleviate stress and anxiety, improve communication skills and enhance self-esteem, a number of art galleries around the world, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, have developed tours specifically for people with dementia.

We are delighted to be working with Alzheimers Australia to provide training for galleries in regional and rural Australia for visitors with dementia. The training program is characterised by clear goals and outcomes, and consideration given to both the the impact on the person with dementia, their carer/s and the gallery staff and volunteers.

Why did we fund this project? People with dementia need meaningful and enjoyable activities to live well. Cultural institutions provide a natural place for this to occur. We hope that the program will give people with dementia, and their carers, in our regional and rural communities greater access to these institutions.

To visit the Alzheimer's Australia website click here

http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/visit-us/specific-requirements/visit-with-disability/access-programs/