Dementia is a growing challenge for Public Health and social care – 1.4 million people are expected to be diagnosed by 2040.
With an ageing population, the number of people living with dementia in the UK is increasing. Latest available data tells us that over 944,000 people in the UK have dementia – 1 in 11 people over 65. To enable people to live as well as possible and for as long as possible, it is increasingly important that we find accessible and meaningful solutions to provide support for people living with dementia and their carers.
Evaluation of our Shared Reading groups by researchers from The University of Liverpool, showed the following outcomes:
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86%
improved mood
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87%
greater concentration
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73%
increased social interaction
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86%
less agitation
How Shared Reading Helps
Research, spanning over a decade, shows that Shared Reading is an effective intervention with well-evidenced outcomes that improves mental health and alleviates loneliness by building connection. The Reader has been reading with people with memory loss since 2006, creating safe, calming and stimulating spaces for people to connect to themselves and others.
Through a growing network of tailored delivery in partnership with Local Authorities, CCGs and care homes, The Reader is working to reach people at all stages of progression, from early intervention in the community to more advanced onset in acute care wards. Shared Reading creates a space where everyone’s voice is valued and respected.
Shared Reading in a care home setting
Shared Reading in a community setting
How we can work with you
We deliver Shared Reading groups for people living with dementia and their carers from the earliest stages of diagnosis through to advanced treatment and acute care. We do this in a number of ways:
- By training and placing volunteers to lead Shared Reading within an identified setting, such as public libraries and community centres, providing accessible dementia support and ensuring that those living independently can access meaningful activity which improved wellbeing.
- Within a care home or day care setting, we can coordinate volunteers or train partner staff to deliver Shared Reading activities.
- At the point of acute dementia care, Reader staff can be placed to deliver a programme of Shared Reading to best meet the needs of a specified setting.
Our work has shown that reading together with those living with dementia and their carers and family positively supports well being for both parties, offering respite and the opportunity for powerful, meaningful connection. Costs start from £1700.
For an informal chat about how we could support you to establish Shared Reading within your services, please contact Kara Orford, Associate Director of Programme Delivery
karaorford@thereader.org.uk
Download our easy to print PDF of our Dementia work by clicking the button below
Download here
Reader Stories
Meet some of the people who are part of our Shared Reading community and hear their stories
Barbara ‘I couldn’t tell you what I did yesterday, but I’m alright with a book – I’d go to the group everyday if I could’
Angela Delea and her mum Barbara Daley have been coming to The Reader’s dementia friendly Shared Reading group in Liverpool’s…
Delia ‘‘That hour every Wednesday was like a port in a storm where we could forget about dementia and relax’’
Retired nurse Delia Cartlidge and husband Stuart, a former aeronautical engineer, have been married for 52 years. Delia became Stuart’s…
Joan: ‘Groups such as ours are vital in supporting people living with dementia to live well and continue to be valued members of society’
As we hit 60% of our £10,0000 target in the third week of our Christmas Appeal, we speak to Joan.…
