Aldersgate Village, SA - Art Therapy Program - awarded 2010

Art therapy has been a life-changing experience for many of the residents living at Aldersgate Village.

As part of Director of Nursing, Cherri Bindley’s mantra ‘life is more than bingo’, art therapist, Katherine Tumes was recruited to join the lifestyle team at Aldersgate in 2006. Starting with only a small number of residents four years ago, the art therapy program now includes over 40 of Aldersgate’s residents. The program benefits residents by increasing opportunities for socialisation, providing an avenue for creativity and self-expression and enabling residents to develop new skills.

The program is based on research that shows art therapy can have a positive impact on people living with dementia. “Art provides a medium for communication and expression, enabling people who might have difficulty communicating to express themselves through their artwork”, Katherine said.

Margaret Russell, daughter of Nancy a resident at Aldersgate, is delighted her mum has had the opportunity to be involved in the art therapy program. “I think mum has been able to maintain her sense of identity through the art. Even though she hasn’t done art before she has really adapted to it. It shows you can still learn things and achieve things as you get older”, Margaret said.

Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide Inc. General Manager of Services, Gwen Moore has seen residents transformed by the art therapy program. Residents with debilitating depression who previously were unable to participate in the life of the home, are now regular participants in the art therapy program and engaged in the home’s lifestyle program.

“The program has given real insights into possibilities for people, it’s been inspirational for staff and for all of us” Gwen said.

An important part of the art therapy process is ‘listening’ to what is being communicated through the art. At Aldersgate Village, insights gained through residents’ artwork are documented in case notes and used to assist staff provide more effective and individualised care for residents to meet their specific physical, social and emotional care needs.

Due to its success, Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide has expanded the program to another of its aged care homes, community care clients, day therapy centre clients and incorporated as part of their mental health program. Results from the program are being collected to inform international research into dementia and the therapeutic effects of art therapy.