The art of dementia care
Leading the way in art programs for dementia sufferers is the National Art Gallery, having played host to Wales’ Older People’s Commissioner who visited the venue to pick up innovative tips last week.
One of Australia’s leading art and Alzheimer’s initiatives has gained international attention, attracting the Older People’s Commissioner of Wales, Ruth Marks, to the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), Canberra, last week to learn how positive ageing programs are run down under.
Australia’s own Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline Brown and a group of residents from Mountain View Nursing Home, Penrith, joined the Welsh Commissioner for a tour of the NGA.
The Commissioner received a special briefing on the gallery’s Art and Alzheimer’s initiative and received an insight into how the country’s premier art gallery connects the arts, health and ageing.
Art and Alzheimer’s, funded by the federal government, is a specialised program which provides opportunities for older dementia sufferers to engage in cultural activities. Trained staff lead nursing home residents on gallery tours and organise regular carer’s activities as well.
NGA art educator, Adriane Boag, spoke of the program’s aims to promote social inclusion and a greater sense of well-being amoung participants.
“Opportunities for intellectual stimulation for people with dementia are often neglected,” Ms Boag said.
“The NGA has a reputation for excellence in the arts and you don’t often associate us with older people and access.
“Visual images provide people, who are loosing [or have lost] the ability to speak and understand language, with a communication tool. With art, people are taken outside of themselves so they do not focus on what they can’t do but instead respond intuitively and in the moment.”
Ms Boag said that the Commissioner was incredibly positive about the NGA’s Alzheimer’s program, which has been running since 2007.
“She was really interested in the links between arts and older people and how you can partner with galleries and what galleries can provide. I think it opened her eyes to the possibilities of visual arts for older people and opportunities for social inclusion.
“It’s really exciting. It’s great for Australia to be seen as leader in this field and for the gallery to be a leader in this area.”
Ms Brown spoke highly of the NGA’s program and its focus on working closely with the community to promote positive ageing.
“We know that remaining socially connected and involved in our community benefits our physical and emotional health,” Ms Brown said.
“Art appreciation is an excellent example of how older Australians can get out, enjoy themselves and experience something new. I am delighted that Australia can share the learnings of innovative programs, like the Art and Alzheimer’s Program with our international visitors.
“These programs highlight the importance art can play in helping older people continue to remain connected to their communities.”
The gallery recently received government funding to expand their program to a number of regional centres. A training DVD and a series of outreach sessions will be developed for educators and health professionals so that they can deliver the program in Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Geelong and Ballarat.
