Puppetry in Dementia Care

Her book is about ways of enriching and enhancing the lives of people with dementia. As a result it is not just about puppets, but about ways of engaging people using music, storytelling and reminiscence… Life should be more than routine and Puppetry in Dementia Care demonstrates that a little imagination can provide a wealth of ideas for care staff, occupational therapists, storytellers and for the friends and family of people with dementia to connect and engage. — F & F (Facts and Fiction)

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 are 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)

This inspirational book explores the use of creativity through puppetry and person centred care… The text has numerous examples where a variety of techniques have been used to establish rapport and develop therapeutic relationships. It explores the theoretical basis of dementia care and how theories can be applied in care homes and in the community.
The book is particularly relevant to occupational therapists working with clients with dementia when communication and social interaction deficits may be present. It gives practical examples of how a variety of activities can be graded and adapted for individual use and highlights alternative approaches that may be beneficial… Creativity is used to build bridges and strengthen relationships through shared projects which can be incorporated into everyday life. It suggests activities that people with and without dementia are supported in expressing emotions, imagination, personal preferences and humour. Words are not always necessary, colours and visual stimuli are essential. Memories are unlocked with puppets bringing to life nursery rhymes and fables.
The engaging style of writing encourages the reader to continue from chapter to chapter. It provides practical ideas to inspire care givers to enter a shared world which can promote well-being and understanding. The text is balanced between theory and case studies… The author has a background in nursing and education. She clearly demonstrates her understanding of the complex needs of those with dementia and how we need to enter and understand the world they live in through her insightful comments and analysis.
I would definitely recommend this book for use within the occupational therapists toolkit. It is an excellent resource to support practice and education of carers and students.

— Claire Thorpe, Senior OT, Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust ― College of Occupational Therapists Specialist section: Older People

the book introduces the idea of puppetry for adults then specifically links using puppetry with people who have dementia… Chapters are themed… There are many suggestions on how to ‘work’ with the puppets and how to include expressive work in practice… I recommend the book to practitioners especially those who use expressive/creative work; there are many tips. The book is relationship-centred, it is about being ‘creatively person-centred’ and encouraging practitioners to use ‘creative thinking’… The author weaves research and practice together expertly with many helpful references and tips. Highly recommended. — Person-Centred Quarterly

Everyone in any way involved in caring for a person with dementia should use this book to stimulate the quiescent creativity in the person with dementia. — Margot Lindsay, Research Department of Mental Health Sciences ― European Journal for Person Centered Healthcare