Sam’s research is concerned with the memory loss experience and combines a strong focus in the medical humanities with innovative creative and critical practice. She uses a highly original synthesis of interdisciplinary methods, fusing scientific and practice-led approaches across disciplines from medicine to creative writing to explore how art and music can support people who are living with memory loss.

Sam’s close work with care home residents, family members and care workers has led to new insights into how we view the changing status of memory at end of life, how we can respond respectfully to residents’ complex needs, and how serenity can be found within the noisy chaos of the care home environment.

These findings have the potential to influence public perception, improve the experience of care home residents, and lead to a sea change in therapy design.