Arts program for older people aims to boost wellness

A new arts program is set to launch in the Hunter region, aimed at older people who would benefit from connection within the community.

Arts on Prescription in the Hunter, an evidence-based wellness program developed by HammondCare, will be run by professional artists, with weekly sessions at the Hudson Street Hum, Hamilton, beginning on 10 March. Sessions will be in groups, with one-on-one in-home visits as well.

It is specifically designed for older people, including those who are frail aged, living with dementia, diagnosed with Parkinson’s, or wanting social connection.

Arts programs to be offered — ranging from visual arts to music — are tailored to the individual participant, meaning people who have visual impairment, cognitive impairment or a physical injury can all participate.

Older people with Home Care Packages or receiving Short Term Restorative Care support may be able to participate by allocating funds under their care package, so there is no direct cost to them.

Dr Duncan McKellar, Acting General Manager for HammondCare’s Dementia Centre, said older people with a love of art would be catered for; however, the ethos is that everyone has innate creativity and can benefit from the play, laughter and connection that comes with art.

He said the Arts on Prescription program, developed over many years, has demonstrated that art participation can offer quality-of-life benefits for older people.

These benefits include self-expression, social connection, stress relief and mindfulness, strengthening mobility and motor skills, developing new skills, and cognitive stimulation through engaging curiosity.

“For those who are socially isolated or experiencing depression and anxiety, the program is a friendly way to be with other people, get out of the house, and express their feelings and creativity,” he said.

HammondCare Lead Artist Practitioner Charlotte Salusinszky said the artists involved are trained to tailor activities for people from a range of backgrounds — from those who just want to do art, to those with dementia, physical disabilities and other needs.

Image caption: Arts on Prescription participants Donka Thomlin (L) and Rose Walker (R) with Duncan-McKellar and Charlotte Salusinszky.