Retaining identity: Creativity and caregiving

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Creative Arts Therapies
• Psychology

Background:

• Arts programming is increasingly recognized for its benefits in dementia care.
• Such programs offer social interaction, self-expression, and continuous learning opportunities.
• The Retaining Identity: Creativity & Caregiving study addresses the need for structured art interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the design and implementation of a structured art program for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers.
• To evaluate caregiver feedback on the program's impact on the caregiver-care recipient relationship.
• To explore the potential of art-making to foster equitable engagement.

Main Methods:

• An eight-week program involved professional artists instructing caregivers in visual art activities.
• Caregivers then taught these activities to their care recipients.
• Caregiver feedback was collected via a qualitative survey assessing program impact.

Main Results:

• Key themes from caregiver feedback included personal growth, increased awareness, and creative discovery.
• Artwork created during the program indicated potential for equitable exchange between participants.
• The program demonstrated a positive impact on caregivers and their relationships.

Conclusions:

• Structured arts programming can positively influence the caregiver-care recipient dynamic.
• Art-making provides a platform for shared experiences and mutual benefit.
• Further research could explore the broader applications of arts in dementia care.