Article about Care UK poetry writing competition with examples of some of the prize winning poems.
Arts
Keep dancing
BUPA
BUPA study into the health and well-being benefits of dance for older people.
Experiences of Being
Beth Johnson Foundation, Anchor
Evaluation of the benefit of drama, music and dancing in
improving the wellbeing of older people in
care homes.
Benefits of a creative writing group for care home residents
A writing group in a nursing home in Scotland shows that residents with dementia can be empowered to express themselves and staff enticed to be creative in their approach to care. Read about project
The Neuroscience of Creativity
Scientific American, Scott Barry Kaufman
American article (2019) about what happens in our brains when we create something.
Paintings in Hospitals
The mission of Painting in Hospitals is to transform the UK’s health by using world-class art to inspire better health and wellbeing for patients, carers and communities.
Find out more about Painting in Hospitals’ art loans and activities for care homes.
Arts Toolkit for Activity Co-ordinators and Care Staff
Arts Derbyshire
Arts Derbyshire Toolkit is aimed at staff and Activity Co-ordinators in care settings, wishing to plan and deliver arts projects. This Toolkit was produced as part of the ‘Music in Care Homes’ project which took place in 2010 and 2011. It includes information on funding, recruiting artists, promoting projects and evaluation.
The power of the arts and social activities to improve the nation’s health
Department of Health and Social Care
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock speaks to the King’s Fund about the benefits of social prescribing. Read 2018 article.
A Pocket Guide to Arts Activities for People with Dementia
Collective Encounters
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.
Dance Magic Dance Toolkit
Courtyard Hereford Creative Ageing Toolkit for creative dance in residential care settings. Includes: guidelines for leading group dance sessions; ideas for seated exercises and resource suggestions.
Singing for Older Peoples’ Health and Well-being Toolkit
Arts for Health Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Arts for Health Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Singing for Well-being toolkit was developed following feedback from clients and care staff. A training resource that supports staff and carers to organise and run singing sessions, which are sustainable, affordable and fun.
Purple Angel Music System
Resource for care home: simple and easy-to-use MP3 device pre-loaded with a selection of familiar songs and tunes for a range of musical tastes. Find out more details here