Real stories

Shared reading groups bring people affected by dementia together

Losing yourself in a good story or soaking in the beauty of poetry is a great pleasure for many. This includes people with dementia.

For over two decades, The Reader – the UK’s biggest shared reading charity – has been telling stories in all kinds of places, from libraries to prisons, hospitals to care homes.

Connecting communities

Shared reading groups, aiming to connect communities through literature, are run in 18 countries. In the UK, 490 groups are open to everyone and 57 are specifically for people with dementia.

‘Initially, we had questions about whether the shared reading model could work for people with dementia,’ admits Grace Frame, Practice Development Lead at The Reader.

‘But we found the reading aloud, especially of poetry, had a powerful effect in unlocking experiences and responses from group members.

It provided the opportunity for connection, and helped carers and those they care for feel less alone.

A 2012 study by the Headley Trust, which supports older people to live independently, found shared reading groups reduced agitation and improved mood and concentration.

The Reader’s own research has also found groups in care homes can improve residents’ wellbeing, stimulate memories and encourage social interaction.

Unmissable part

Barbara Daley, who has Alzheimer’s, and her daughter Angela Delea started going to the reading group at Liverpool Central Library nearly two years ago. It’s now an unmissable part of their week.

‘Mum has always been a reader so, when I found out about the shared reading group, I thought it would be perfect for her,’ says Angela. ‘I have always been interested in anything to do with books,’ agrees Barbara.

I’ve always been a worrier, but reading relaxes me and I can lose myself in a book. I don’t know what I’d do without it.

Angela says the group has been a bonding experience for her and her mum.

‘It is great to hear some of the stories about when Mum was little, and it has been nice for us to have something enjoyable we can do together.’

Another world

Retired nurse Delia Cartlidge used to go to the Liverpool Central Library sessions with her husband Stuart, who has Alzheimer’s.

As his condition has progressed, Stuart could no longer attend. However, Delia continues to take part. 

‘Listening to someone read aloud is very therapeutic,’ she says. ‘It takes you into another world or time and you can forget any problems of troubles in your own life, if only for a short time.

‘With dementia, you feel on edge a lot of the time, but when I came to the shared reading groups, I could feel myself unwinding.

I felt it was time for me without feeling guilty.

Vital support

Joan Brown, who leads the Central Library group, has seen the benefits first hand.

‘I feel strongly that groups such as ours are vital in supporting people living with dementia to live well with the condition,’ she says, ‘to continue to be valued members of society and to feel part of something which is so supportive, rewarding and, most of all, enjoyable.’

After running a shared reading group in Knowsley, Anne Kiney at Alzheimer’s Society agrees.

‘It is wonderful to see people blossom,’ says Anne, Dementia Adviser. 

Shared reading gives them so much confidence and is really feel-good.

‘Everyone who comes along has thoroughly enjoyed it. It gives them a safe place to reminiscence without having to share anything that they don’t want to.’

The Reader doesn’t run groups in every area of the UK, but hopes to expand so more can benefit.

‘We have learned a lot from running our groups,’ says Grace.

‘We hope to deepen our work with Alzheimer’s Society and we aim to embed what we do in the fabric of every community.’