149: The 'D' Word with Pete Hill - Episode 149149: The 'D' Word with Pete Hill - Episode 149
UK Health Radio Podcast
Kitty Short discusses her innovative approach to dementia care using Lego therapy and Makaton, highlighting the importance of creativity and community involvement.
35:15•26 Dec 2025
Lego Therapy and Dementia: Kitty Short's Creative Approach
Episode Overview
- Kitty Short integrates Makaton into dementia care, enhancing communication.
- Lego therapy offers creative engagement for dementia patients.
- Role-playing exercises help patients express themselves freely.
- A new website showcases Kitty's innovative projects.
- Community involvement is key in breaking dementia care barriers.
“"Here's to trying something new, staying curious and making space for moments that spark joy and connection."”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? In this episode of the UK Health Radio Podcast, Pete Hill welcomes back Kitty Short from Creative Confidence. Kitty, known for her pioneering work with Lego therapy through her initiative Brick-Based Brains, shares her journey since her last appearance. She talks about the exciting integration of Makaton, a communication programme using signs and speech, into her dementia care projects.
Kitty's innovative approach includes intergenerational activities and engaging programmes that use Lego bricks to foster communication and creativity among people with dementia. Kitty's boundless energy and creativity shine through as she discusses the development of a new website, funded by the National Lottery, with the help of Amy Louise Brown from Sonda Media. This website aims to capture Kitty's vibrant personality and offer a platform for her various projects.
From role-playing exercises involving characters like 'Lady Banana' to the use of a Lego-built 3D printer, Kitty's methods are anything but conventional. Listeners are treated to stories of how these creative endeavours bring joy and connection to those involved, breaking the typical boundaries associated with dementia care. Kitty's passion for pushing the envelope is palpable, as she discusses everything from fun facts to her adventures in Belfast.
Her message is clear: thinking outside the box can lead to remarkable breakthroughs in dementia care. So, what can you learn from Kitty's inventive approach to care? Perhaps it's time to embrace a bit of 'Kitty World' in your own life!
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