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The status of Creative Expression Activity Programs in BC Adult Care Facilities
Project DescriptionThe aging of society and rapid swelling number of seniors with dementia are placing ever increasing pressures on health care resources. As a consequence, the future care of seniors with dementia may become limited to the provision of basic medical services, while approaches to care known to enhance well being and quality of life are reduced or eliminated. Prominent among the latter are creative activities, that is, programs which involve some form of creative expression such as painting, making music, dancing or reminiscing. A wealth of research has demonstrated that participation in creative activities promotes health and well being by stimulating curiosity and self-evaluation, by encouraging individuals to express themselves in meaningful ways, and by affirming their dignity and self-worth. We believe that more information about creative activity programs is required, in order to ascertain their availability and accessibility in different kinds of facilities, to different client subgroups, in different regions of BC. This type of information is required for the equitable allocation of health care resources across BC, as well as for proper planning and budgeting. Toward these goals, we will survey a subset of BC facilities that provide care for seniors with dementia. By means of a questionnaire and focus groups, we will ascertain what types of creative activity programs (painting, making music, etc.) are offered, to whom (e.g., seniors with mild or severe dementia) each program is offered, and on what schedule each program is offered. We will also gather information on the resources allocated to such programs by asking about who facilitates the activities (e.g., full or part-time staff, volunteers), about facilitators’ qualifications, and about the resources (e.g., rooms/space, equipment, staff) specifically ear-marked for the delivery of creative activity programs?
Conferences & Workshops on Creative Expression, Communication and Dementia with support from our affiliate
The Society for the Arts in Dementia Care, Perth Australia