Arts in Care
In 2022, Research Scotland carried out an independent evaluation of the Arts in Care programme.
Arts in Care, a collaboration between Luminate, the Care Inspectorate and Creative Scotland with support from the Baring Foundation, was launched in 2019 and aimed to support highly skilled artists to work with older people living in care homes.
The artists worked in different artforms including visual arts, creative writing, dance and music, and all took part in an initial training programme that supported them to work in a person-centred way with older people living in care homes, many of whom live with dementia and other conditions.
The Research Scotland evaluation report, found that older people enjoyed the creative activities and looked forward to them. Working closely with an artist, even when using unfamiliar artforms, was often a stimulus for further conversation or sparking memories. For the artists, the importance of the training beforehand was clear, as was the vital support of care home staff.
Care home staff felt that the Arts in Care project had an impact on residents by giving them new things to do, and observed that many residents became calmer, spent more time interacting with other residents, increased their confidence and self-esteem and improved their dexterity, strength, balance and movement.
Head of quality improvement and participation at the Care Inspectorate, Craig Morris, said:
“This inspiring programme made a tremendous difference to the lives of everyone involved. Working in collaboration with our partners, the programme showed that taking part in different types of arts activities can have a positive impact on older people experiencing care.
“This report provides evidence that as a result of the programme, care staff are more empowered and confident to deliver arts sessions. he benefits of that can be immediate and support wellbeing for staff as well as for those experiencing care. The Care Inspectorate is proud to have been part of this work.”
There is also a card with guidance on working with artists in the form of hints and tips on working with artists - have a look at this as you may want to think about employing a professional artist to run some arts sessions too.
A film, in documentary style, which focuses mainly on the story of three care homes and their residents who share their experience of participating in the arts and the difference it has made to living life well. It shows artists and care home staff running arts sessions and residents taking part in creative arts in their local community.
To watch with subtitles please click on the 'CC' button on the play bar at the bottom of the video.