A trip to the cinema can be a real pleasure — but the cinema isn't always a supportive environment for people living with dementia. Dementia-friendly screenings are designed to change that.
What makes a screening dementia-friendly?
The Regal Picturehouse in Henley-on-Thames holds a dementia-friendly screening once a month. Sessions are open to everyone, but are specially adapted for people living with dementia and their families, friends and carers:
- A chance to socialise for around 30 minutes beforehand, with free tea, coffee and biscuits
- Lights kept on low during the film
- Viewers welcome to talk, move around or sing along
- A 20-minute interval halfway through
- Tickets are modestly priced, with carers going free
Films are often chosen from the "Golden Age" — titles many people will fondly remember from years gone by.
Why it works
Careful film choice matters — musicals are particularly engaging, because the brain processes music differently and it can still be enjoyed long after other activities become difficult. Staff who have completed dementia-friendly training, and clear signage throughout the building, make a real difference too.
See what's on at the Regal Picturehouse, and perhaps Gardiner's could help you or a loved one to visit a screening — get in touch to find out more.
