Dementia-friendly film screenings are providing a ‘lifeline’ to people who might otherwise feel isolated and marginalised.
Built around a core programme of classic film musicals, screenings are held on the third Thursday of the month and typically attract 40-50 people.
“We’ve been coming here for about 18 months and we love seeing the old musicals,” says Derek Woodruff whose wife Maureen lives with dementia
“We came to the BSO most weeks for 22 years, but now we livestream the concerts so we’re regular patrons of Lighthouse and joined the Friends scheme. The thing I have difficulty with in the evenings is the parking because if I can’t park on the front I have to ask someone to look after Maureen while I go and park the car. It’s not so bad in the daytime and we can have a bite to eat first, which saves me cooking when I get home!
“So, yes, these screenings are a bit of a lifeline.”
Although not exclusively for people with dementia the screenings are particularly suitable for those who live with the condition, including their partners, family members, and other carers. The screenings allow for audience members to talk, move around or leave the cinema. The volume is reduced slightly, house lights are left on low so that people can see to move around and there is an interval to give cinema goers a comfort break.
“It can be a rare chance for people to see their loved ones enjoying the moment and people regularly sing along,” says Anna Shiels, who facilitates the Dementia Friendly screenings.
“We have some regulars who come on their own, others come with their grandchildren, some with friends, as well as family. Often, one of the first things to go when people live with dementia is their social network, so we try to create a sense of familiarity where people can feel safe and supported.”
Alongside the vintage musical, more modern films such as The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters and Back to the Future have been shown, as have the two Mamma Mia movies.
“I’ve been coming with my mum Sybil for about three years now and we really look forward to it,” says Kris. “Mum lives in a residential setting so these trips out are really precious. I love watching her enjoying the films and afterwards we’ll sometimes sit and talk about the film, which is just lovely.”
A veteran of 50 years of appearing in local musical theatre productions, often with her late husband, 93-year-old Joy Salt is in her element.
“I really look forward to coming and a lot of these films I can remember having seen when they first came out!” she says. “I know a lot of the songs. They showed Calamity Jane recently and I remember I played Adelaide Adams in that one. It was great fun.”
And daughter Julie agrees: “This is such a wonderful resource for all sorts of people to be able to get together and enjoy a film – and the tea and biscuits of course!
“Anna is lovely, she makes sure she knows everyone’s name and welcomes them all. There’s a real community here.”
(NC)