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Implementing an arts‐based recreation program for older adults in care settings
Author(s) -
Swaminathan Swathi,
Altschuler Aviva,
Howard Elizabeth P,
Hasher Lynn,
Murphy Kelly J
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.047462
Subject(s) - reminiscence , the arts , psychology , conversation , citizen journalism , storytelling , recreational therapy , recreation , participatory action research , art therapy , medical education , pedagogy , visual arts , psychotherapist , medicine , sociology , computer science , narrative , cognitive psychology , art , political science , law , linguistics , philosophy , communication , world wide web , anthropology
Background Research shows that older adults with memory‐support and complex‐care needs can meaningfully benefit from arts‐based activities because it can make them feel good, promote their sense of connection with personal and community identity, and stimulate thinking and memory. As a result, there is growing interest in integrating participatory arts techniques in clinical care settings. In this qualitative study, we explore therapeutic recreationists’ (TRs) experiences of implementing a visual‐arts program designed to promote learning and creative engagement. Method Participants were eight TRs or TR interns working in long‐term care (n = 4), short‐term residential (complex and palliative) care (n = 3), or memory day‐clinic (n = 1) settings. All implemented an arts‐based recreation program, ArtontheBrain , for at least 12 sessions over 6 weeks to older adults in their care in one‐on‐one or group sessions. ArtontheBrain is a virtual platform that delivers visual‐art content with modules designed to facilitate learning, play and storytelling (both reminiscence and imagined stories). TRs were encouraged to flexibly implement ArtontheBrain according to their judgement of how to best engage clients. TRs completed semi‐structured interviews which were then thematically analysed using NVivo 12 software. Result Emergent themes revealed that TRs were able to effectively use the arts‐based activity to (1) provide stimulating and appropriately paced cognitive challenges, (2) facilitate reminiscence and imagination, (3) promote conversation and social interaction, (4) learn new information about their clients’ preserved skills and interests, and (5) learn new facts about the world from their clients. Conclusion TRs found the arts‐based program to be a useful addition to their existing suite of care techniques. This finding complements results of studies documenting that older adults in care find arts‐based programs to be valuable in promoting their sense of wellbeing. Future research could investigate questions of who is likely to benefit from arts‐based programs and what methods are most effective for implementing arts‐based programs for older adults in care settings.