There is a growing interest in the use of art as a psychosocial intervention for people with dementia and emerging evidence for their benefits, particularly on well-being and quality of life. This presentation focusses on the qualitative results of an exploratory study aimed to evaluate a visual art programme for care home residents.
A visual art intervention was run in two North Wales care homes for people with dementia. The sessions were led by a visual artist and two artist volunteers and included a wide range of activities covering a range of different techniques. A visit to a local art gallery provided inspiration for the activities. Qualitative interviews and group discussions were held with participants with dementia, care staff, and the artist team. Field notes were also made during the intervention and from videotapes of sessions and end-of-intervention celebration events.
Results are presented from the perspective of the participants, care staff, and artist team. Themes that emerged included the positive impact of the intervention on the participants, the change in staff attitudes towards the intervention, and the benefits of having an artist lead the sessions. Recommendations for future research are suggested.
As part of Symposium: “Challenges of the research process: reflections on the progression of research in visual art groups for people living with dementia and those who care for them”