Connection Through Creative Arts
“Art classes provide me with a sense of achievement, increase my self-esteem, and above all, they give me an opportunity to interact with other people who also live with dementia.” ~Stan, Veteran, Perley Health tenant and artist
Your compassionate support of important frailty-informed research studies help fuel progress in care for seniors at Perley Health and beyond. Thanks to you, an ongoing study conducted by the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care (CoE) is identifying evidence-based best practices that improve the quality of life of seniors and older Veterans through creative arts programming.
Over the last two years, a study documenting the impact of a specially funded Veterans Arts Program, was conducted over several six-week periods. For a few hours each week, Veteran tenants living at Perley Health created a variety of artistic media with paint, clay, and wood, alongside professional artists, therapists, and supportive volunteers. Feedback was collected through a series of participant focus groups and interviews with program managers and facilitators.
The research shows overwhelmingly positive results for participants living in the community, even for those with little to no artistic experience. Creative arts programs improve wellbeing and foster crucial social connections that are often lost with age and illness.
One program facilitator noted, "A woman came to me at the end of one class and said, you know, all my family is dead. All my friends are dead. I have nothing to look forward to, but now, I have this to look forward to every week. And it brings me so much joy."
Additionally, the study uncovered potential challenges for facilitators, and identified viable solutions and best practices for incorporating creative arts programs at other long-term care homes and senior communities of care.
Because of you, Perley Health tenants enjoy enriched lives through creative expression and social interaction. Your generosity makes this transformative impact possible, and for that, we are deeply grateful.