Dementia and Multi-Species Caring: Current Practice & Future Possibilities

Funded by the British Society for Gerontology (BSG), this one-day workshop will bring together academics, students, people affected by dementia, policy makers and representatives of animal assistance charities, to explore future possibilities in animal-assisted dementia care.

There is growing recognition of the role that animals play in the lives of many people with dementia, yet cultivating ‘multi-species’ approaches to dementia care presents a number of challenges. What outcomes, for example, can realistically be expected from enabling people with dementia to interact with therapy animals and emotional support animals within formal care settings? Equally, what role can pets and other animals play in supporting people with dementia to ‘live well’ within their communities?

In addressing these and other important questions, this one-day workshop aims to:

• Explore current practice in the development of animal-assisted dementia care

• Discuss the incorporation of animals within relationship-centred, person-centred and rights-based frameworks for dementia care

• Identify opportunities for innovation and new research agendas

• Involve undergraduate and postgraduate students from across relevant disciplines in the development of animal-assisted dementia care

Facilitated at all times in a dementia accessible manner, and hosted at UWS’ state-of-the-art campus in Lanarkshire, Central Scotland, this workshop will provide a relaxed, stimulating, inclusive and collaborative environment for discussion. Workshop activities will involve a mixture of accessible presentations and round-table discussions. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided; and yes, there will be opportunities to interact with animals!