Program Overview • April Penny AT + Jenny McSpadden HT
Program Overview for the Dementia Neighbourhood.
The Art and Horticultural Therapy Group is based on a small supportive group framework with a client-centred approach to provide a satisfying, stimulating and meaningful experience for the participants.
✿ Program Activities include: planting, flower arranging, watercolor and acrylic painting, textile and leaf pressing art, and garden and solarium visits.
✿ Alternating Activities throughout the year encourages different types of experiences and mindful engagement from connection to self through sensory and tactile art and planting activities, to reminiscing and orientation through seasonally-connected and ‘familiar’ activities
✿ Garden and Solarium Visits allow participants to interact in a different setting (off the unit) encouraging them to visually respond and interact with the indoor or outdoor garden ( the colours, textures and sensory qualities of the plants). In the winter the solarium becomes the “indoor garden retreat”.
✿ Community Group Art Projects allow participants to view their art contributions in the activity room or hallway throughout the week (supporting pride of accomplishment) and provide an ongoing project that can be added to or reflected upon during other group gatherings (visual and cognitive stimulation).
Community group projects with dementia groups also enable the facilitators to engage all participants at various levels depending upon ability etc - supporting inclusion and group contribution (when some individuals are unable to engage/create independently due to disease progression/developmental stage)
✿ Co-facilitation enables therapists to reach more residents, create a safe and stimulating holding space where more involved activities encourage reminiscing, and a variety of sensory experiences. Facilitators alternate between roles of lead or assistant (related to specialty areas) to make sure a staff is always present in space when materials are in use.
Group Goals:
MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES:
• meaning-based activities with self-expression, exploration, and reminiscing
• validation, pleasure and enjoyment through small group activities
CONNECTING EXPERIENCES:
• socialization and connection through a small supportive group setting
COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES:
• community-based activities to support interaction and connections with other participants (sense of contribution to the group)
EXPRESSIVE EXPERIENCES:
• connect with creative self, explore personal imagery, narrative & meaning through art or gardening experiences
STIMULATING EXPERIENCES:
• creative, visual, cognitive and physical stimulation through activities and seasonal directives
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
• provide a meaningful creative experience within a supported setting
• promote socialization, community and belonging within a small group activity
• encourage sharing of thoughts, ideas and art work (emotional support)
• facilitate active involvement and physical & cognitive stimulation
• promote sense of accomplishment & productivity through personal art making and gardening tasks, creative home projects (art to enhance areas of home or décor for special events – ie seasonal centerpieces for townhall)
TARGET POPULATION
• residents who have been referred by the care-team staff
• residents who may not be as active in other programs
• residents who enjoy small group settings
• residents who would like to revisit their interest in art and gardening and explore their creativity etc
PROGRAM OUTLINE
• the program is provided in a variety of settings throughout the year
1. in the court recreation rooms on the unit
2. in the garden solarium
3. in the art studio
4. in the courtyard gardens
• duration – the group is generally 45 mins. to 90 mins depending upon location and activity and time needed for portering etc..
• time is needed to encourage residents to make choices around materials, ideas etc, and receive assistance with their tasks