Edinburgh Napier University

  Working together in partnership, our focus has been to capture the meaning and importance of occupation in the lives of people living with dementia. Occupation can be broadly defined as the rich tapestry of everyday activities that we do as individuals, families and communities that together bring meaning and purpose to our lives. Occupational therapists are experts in understanding the intrinsic relationship between the person, environment and occupation, to support people living with dementia to continue to engage in the life of their village, town or city; to sustain their identity and sense of purpose through valuing everyday activity.

This professional understanding has guided our development of an occupational therapy internship programme, which has become an important part of our working lives each summer since 2013. This has included the opportunity to meet and work with members of the SDWG, whose generosity of time and willingness to share their stories has advanced our understanding and insight of what it means to live with dementia.

Our internship projects are co-designed and informed by the campaign priorities of the SDWG, and this e-book is one example. The photographs included here oer a unique and personal insight into the lives of seven people living with dementia. It aims to capture occupations identified by members of the SDWG that are important to them and which sustain their connection with families, friends and communities. It is not a photography project but an opportunity to share the everyday lives of people living with dementia.

We hope this e-book provides an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of the experience of what it means to live with dementia through the eyes of Josie, Carol, Henry, Archie, Nancy, Tom and Pat. We want to thank the SDWG for sharing their lived experience with us every day.