An award-winning actress has said that arts venues have a responsibility to make provision for people suffering with dementia.
Vicky McClure, who has appeared in hit dramas including This is England, Broadchurch and Line of Duty, has given her support to a new initiative being run by the Alzheimer’s Society.
In a blog post for The Huffington Post, Ms McClure acknowledged that the arts world was increasingly drawing attention to dementia sufferers.
In the West End, a play called The Father has won rave reviews for its depiction of Alzheimer’s Disease, while the ITV soap Emmerdale has recently begun a storyline in which one of the show’s main characters is diagnosed with vascular dementia.
While the condition is undoubtedly receiving a growing amount of coverage on stage and screen, there are concerns that more could be done to encourage those living with the illness to participate in the arts.
The charity’s new campaign encourages theatres, cinemas and art galleries to make themselves more accessible to people who have dementia.
“Everyone has the right to participate in the arts, and for people with dementia, we know that there are many benefits,” said Ms McClure
“Participation in the arts can overcome the loneliness and social isolation which can often follow a dementia diagnosis.”
It’s a cause close to the heart of the Nottinghamshire actress, whose grandmother battled the neurological condition.
“Sadly, I know from that personal experience that dementia is one of those illnesses that can be very scary for anybody, especially at the first stage of dementia when there’s a state of confusion for everybody,” she said.
“This ranges right from the person who is living with dementia and family to friends and people they come into contact with on a daily basis like the postman because of the change in behaviour.”
At EnViva Care, our experienced staff can provide managed care in the home for individuals with conditions including dementia. For more information about the services we provide, please contact us
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