• This program is designed specifically for people who are diagnosed with dementia. It is suitable for aged care group or day respite group bookings.
• Staff who attend are responsible for supporting group participants before, during and after the program.
• The person-centred nature of this therapeutic program means group capacity is limited to 4-6 people with dementia to maximise engagement, to encourage interaction, to support function, and to validate autonomy.
• Each program is booked exclusively by one group.

If you have any other queries, please don't hesitate to contact groupbookings@qagoma.qld.gov.au . Find out more about Accessibility at QAGOMA and planning your visit.

Sensory aspects

• The program takes place indoors, within gallery spaces, to maintain connection with community and normal everyday experiences.
• The Gallery air conditioning is set to 21°C to conserve the artworks. We recommend bringing a light jumper or jacket with you.
• There may also be low level noise from the sounds of the Gallery.
• Background music is played during the program.
• Please let us know in advance if any participant is hard of hearing so we can make this program audible for them.
• Dementia-accessible chairs with back rest and arm rest are provided during the program, however a small amount of walking is required to participate.
• Please bring wheelchair and other mobility aids to support individuals for whom you provide care. Free wheelchair bookings can be made in advance of your arrival.
• QAGOMA staff do not have capacity to chaperone or push wheelchairs for program participants. Please bring the correct ratio of carers to support individuals in your care and to ensure safe practices.

Participation and content

• We understand that people with dementia interact in a range of ways; the therapeutic nature of the program aims to support mood and sustain function of participants with dementia in the present moment.
• It is perfectly suitable for people of all backgrounds to participate, including those without art experience.
• Care staff and supporters must always accompany participants. Please ensure you bring adequate ratio of staff to fully support the function of those in your care, as well as help others in the group should an unexpected scenario arise.
• Care staff and supporters always remain with participants; we ask that they do not intervene in art viewing conversations or complete the creative making activity on behalf of the participant. These actions may diminish self-determination, and erode personhood, identity and confidence of people living with dementia.
• Care staff and supporters are welcome to listen and provide encouragement to maximise psychosocial wellbeing outcomes for individuals.
• Toilets are available on the ground level at QAG, in the entry foyer and adjacent to the creative making activity space.
• For the safety of artworks, food and drink cannot be consumed in the Gallery.

Capacity

• This program has a strict capacity of maximum of 6 people with dementia, plus the correct ratio of care staff and supporters relative to group members’ cognitive and physical function.