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Pioneering art therapy scheme launched
Posted on 22/09/11
Adults & Communities
Pioneering art therapy scheme launched
A pioneering art therapy project for people with dementia and learning disabilities has been launched by Leicestershire County Council.
Touching Minds takes specially-commissioned artworks into care homes and other venues, to stimulate adults with dementia or learning disabilities and children with special needs.
Two tables have been developed to display visual and tactile works of art for people to interact with. There are 22 interchangeable works of art which can be tailored to the specific needs of a group of people or one individual person.
A trial of the scheme in local care homes has shown that people with dementia enjoyed handling and looking at the art and it inspired them to try out art activities.
Therapeutic activities such as these have been shown to have a major impact on peoples quality of life and wellbeing, but, nationally, there is a shortage of this type of activity. This creative project addresses the gap in provision and contributes to improving the quality of care of people with dementia, though interactive and engaging resources and activities
David Sprason, county council cabinet member for Adults and Communities, said: This is a great example of how art can have a positive impact on peoples health and wellbeing.
Weve had great feedback from people who have trialled this scheme and I look forward to it touring across the county.
Charnwood MP Stephen Dorrell, chairman of the Commons health select committee, attended the launch at Ulverscroft Manor, Markfield.
He said: This exciting and engaging new resource is exactly the type that has been recommended for people with dementia. It provides sensory exploration which has been shown to improve the health and wellbeing of care home residents, which ultimately can reduce the amounts of drugs required for treatment.
With an aging population and predicted increase in the number of people suffering from dementia, it is important that we invest in these creative and interactive new resources to continue to improve quality of life."
Chris Knifton, senior lecturer in mental health nursing at De Montfort University, said: The touch tables provide a useful interactive and therapeutic tool for reaching people with more advanced dementia, based on the use of touch and other senses.
The range of materials used have the potential to tap into memory reserves or stimulate pleasant responses by creating new experiences and meaningful activity. The ability to swap and change the tablets on the table allows for a tailor-made bespoke session, acknowledging and respecting the diversity of each person using them.
It represents a serious attempt to provide meaningful and therapeutic activity with people with advanced dementia.
Media note:
The launch takes place at Ulverscroft Manor, Markfield, at 4.30pm on Thursday, September 22nd. Anyone interested in attending, or interviewing one of the participants, should contact the press office on 0116 305 7046.
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