Cocomposing an Aesthetic Self Through Play: Toward a Transformative Framework for Dementia Care

Abstract

Background and objectives: Aging and deterioration mark a new phase in many older adults' life, highlighting the importance of creativity and imagination. This article introduces the implementation of an innovative program, Play Intervention for Dementia, at a nursing home in Hong Kong, with emphasis on its contribution to the conceptual framework for understanding the selfhood of older adults with dementia.

Research design and methods: As a community-based participatory action research project, this study democratized knowledge production by integrating voices of practitioners with diverse backgrounds through video-based methods.

Results: Play, as an activity replete with free expressions and impulsive interactions, is an ideal realm for exploring and establishing selfhood with older adults with dementia. It has been found that "aesthetic self," an alternative self emerging from immediate aesthetic experience and carrying transformative power within the caring relationship, is a necessary element of self-construction in life with dementia.

Discussion and implications: Integrating theories and practice, this framework provides a new lens for understanding and responding to selfhood, disease, and life.

Keywords: Community-based participatory research; Dementia care; Selfhood.