Inspired by a traditional craft from South America, the process of making these woven ‘God’s eyes’ (‘Ojo de Dios’ in Spanish) is very simple once the sticks are secure. They can also be joined together to create wall hangings.
Credit:
Avondale Care Home.
A basket of sensory items can easily become an instant way of connecting with the people. People are naturally curious about what’s in the basket and it can become a source of curiosity opening up delight, memory and stories.
Credit: Maria Harvey-Lavin / Roaming Aromas. Developed in partnership with C&C Care Homes.
A two-session activity that encourages participants to curate their own set of personal objects into something that offers the opportunity for reflective discussion.
Credit: Roger Hill / Bluecoat, developed in partnership with Belong.
Sashiko is a mindful and peaceful activity that enables participants to share and chat. This 500-year-old technique from Japan can create both simple and more complex designs depending on the participants’ knowledge of stitching.
Credit: Derby Quad, GoldsQUAD / Phillipa Larkin.
This booklet has been developed for anyone working in care settings, and was inspired by The Southbank Centre’s Art by Post project, which brings free creative activities direct to the door of the individuals, care-givers, practitioners and professionals most isolated by social distancing methods.
It includes a range of activities designed to take creativity into every corner of your care setting, including making nature clay prints, shadow puppets and slow looking.
Developing everyday creative activities is a good way of bringing more art into your homes. Residents and staff that are put off by the term ‘the arts’ may be more willing to take part in craft, reminiscence or cooking related activities.
Creative Minds deliver accessible art sessions in care homes. They have a nationwide community of 40 artists and are able to deliver a diverse range of sessions exploring visual art, crafts and sculpture. Book a session
Region: Nationwide
Written in association with NAPA, the SCIE website has a dedicated page aimed at encouraging participation in the arts for people living in care homes.
Packed full of information about a wide range of arts activities including creative writing, visual arts, dance, using puppets, sculpture, music, pottery, digital arts, gardening and everyday creativity.
NAPA is an expert in providing activities for people in care settings. NAPA staff and trainers are all experienced in the care industry, specifically in activity provision. To find available courses:
Publication, compiling 50 arts activities, long and short, for use in any setting with older people. See online copy.
Hard copies are available from The Baring Foundation whilst stocks last.
This toolkit produced by Collective Encounters was the result of three years of creative work in Merseyside with the carers of people living with dementia.
Contains resources and guidance on how to use the arts to engage more effectively with people who are living with dementia.
Arts 4 Dementia is a UK charity, working with arts venues to:
