Last year Queen Margaret University ran its first elective module on occupational therapy practice with people living with dementia and their care givers, a module that is continuing this year. It felt important for students to have an opportunity to meet and discuss someone’s experience of dementia in relation to their meaningful occupations and we could not have been more delighted with the visit from Lorna Noble kindly arranged and supported by dementia advisor at Alzheimer Scotland, Michael Huddleston.
Lorna is an artist who generously shared her journey as an occupational being, from her work as a teacher, through to retirement, diagnosis and the impact living with dementia has had on her art. She brought examples of her work to show students and honestly shared her challenges and achievements. We discussed tangles and how the weaving of lines has both become a form of expression for her, but also a metaphor for the tangles that living with dementia can sometime cause.
Students really enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions and explore the importance of occupation in living well with dementia. It was clear that Lorna also enjoyed the experience of being back in a classroom with young people, sharing her wisdom, teaching skills and challenging their perceptions.
The students were truly inspired by Lorna. Conversations in class shifted from considering the barriers and challenges of living with dementia, to the opportunities and benefits of meaningful occupation. They talked about the importance of understanding someone’s narrative, in order to support and facilitate meaningful occupation, shifting from problems to opportunities.
Inspired by Lorna’s visits, the students created their own collaborative artwork of ‘tangles’ to send as a card, thanking her for her visit. Lorna kindly responded with gifting a piece of her artwork, which really touched the staff and students.
Lorna’s sense of curiosity and ability to engage with the students was inspirational.
In student feedback, they highlighted the enrichment gained by meeting Lorna and citing Lorna’s visit as a highlight of the module.
Reflecting on my own experience of the visit, it was clearly enriching for everyone, staff, Lorna, and students alike. It also led me to consider the value of contributing. How many opportunities are there for people with lived experience to share their wisdom and knowledge and how as a society can we tap into this rich opportunity of shared experiences like this.
We are now fully committed to continuing to include people in lessons, to share their experiences of living with dementia and supporting students to shift their understanding and perspectives.
Lorna Noble kindly gave permission for us to use her name and share a picture of the artwork she gifted us, thank you so much Lorna.
Contributor.
Gaby Stewart, Occupational Therapy Lecturer, Queen Margaret University
Instagram @gabystewartoccther
I have been an Occupational Therapist since the late 1980’s and have worked in several areas of practice, but predominantly older adult mental health, social care and policy. I am passionate about rights especially in relation to occupation and the environment, for people living with dementia. I have practiced in the UK, Australia and Germany, and I am interested in how the profession and supporting people living with dementia has developed internationally.
