Charity Age Cymru is calling for residents in every care home in Wales to have the opportunity to part in artistic and creative activities.

In its report Arts in Care Homes Age Cymru calls on local creative groups to reach out to care homes and include residents in their activities.

Recommendations for care homes include:

• Ensure that meaningful ‘What matters to me?’ conversations, including a focus on creative and cultural interests, are held with all care home residents when they arrive.  These should be reviewed every six months, or sooner if there is a change in cognitive or physical function
• Staff induction procedures should include a focus on embedding arts and creativity in daily care home life
• Activity coordinators should be trained in mental health, wellbeing and dementia awareness
• Value the expertise of professional artists and allow budgets to include them in activity plans
• Consider and support opportunities for resident-led activities, that engage with families and the wider community

Heather Ferguson , Age Cymru’s head of policy and projects, said: “It has long been established that participating in arts and creative activities can help improve communication, self-esteem, enjoyment of life, memory, and creative thinking.  Research shows the positive effects that engaging in creative arts can have on care home residents, improving both their physical and mental health.”

She added: “There are also positive effects on the wellbeing of care home staff which can improve their relationships with residents and thereby improve the overall quality of care within a home.” 

Age Cymru is currently delivering a project that develops creative activities with care home residents and volunteers, and is working with care homes to share good practice in supporting people when moving into a care home.