Arts in Care, a program that places professional artists in older people’s care homes in Scotland for regular creative activities, has been found to be a positive experience for residents, staff, and the artists themselves, according to a new report. The project, which is a collaboration between Luminate, the Care Inspectorate, and Creative Scotland with support from the Baring Foundation, aimed to support highly skilled artists to work with older people living in care homes.
25 care homes across Scotland welcomed artists
In 2022 artists were placed in 25 care homes across the length and breadth of Scotland. The homes were keen to bring quality, creative art sessions into their daily routines and offer a joyful experience to residents as Covid restrictions on care homes eased.
Older people enjoyed creative activities
Research Scotland carried out an independent evaluation of the project. The research found that older people enjoyed the creative activities and looked forward to them. The artists worked in different art forms, including visual arts, creative writing, dance, and music, and all took part in an initial training program that supported them to work in a person-centered way with older people living in care homes. Working closely with an artist, even when using unfamiliar art forms, was often a stimulus for further conversation or sparking memories.
Positive impacts on residents, staff, and artists
Care home staff felt that the Arts in Care project had an impact on residents by giving them new things to do. They observed that many residents became calmer, spent more time interacting with other residents, increased their confidence and self-esteem.
The collaboration between the arts and care sectors is crucial to ensure the well-being and enjoyment of older people living in care homes.
Head of Improvement Support at the Care Inspectorate, Craig Morris, said: “This inspiring program made a tremendous difference to the lives of everyone involved.”
Creative activity is essential for residents
Equalities and Diversity Officer at Creative Scotland, Graham Reid, said: “The benefits of the arts on mental health and wellbeing are well-known, and it is wonderful that these activities were able to bring joy and creativity to care home settings after the restrictions of the pandemic.”
Overall, the Arts in Care project has demonstrated the positive impact that creative activities can have on the lives of older people living in care homes, as well as the importance of collaboration between the arts and care sectors.
