Creative Journeys Report 2019

20 Creative Journeys Rambert Care Home Rambert Care Home was situated in an Essex village and at the time of the research had a total of 54 residents: 29 in the residential unit and 25 in the dementia unit. These units were in different but connected parts of the home and each had their own activities coordinator, though the units often came together for joint activities (as they did in this case). Residents had a range of capacities and conditions, including Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia at various stages, as well as early onset or undiagnosed dementia, Parkinson’s, other physical disabilities that created problems with mobility and difficulties with communication. As with many care homes, the residents were predominantly female, with just six males – none of the male residents took part in the Green Candle programme. There was a varied programme of arts activities in the home for residents to enjoy, including: painting, gardening, seated dance, and seasonal arts and crafts. Whilst the research was taking place, there was often singing or arts and crafts happening in the care home, and the activities coordinators along with other staff and residents were planning a summer carnival. The care home had a small activities room but the Green Candle sessions took place in the dining room of the residential unit. The care home had a piano, though it was rarely used, and both residents and staff commented on how nice it was to hear it played during the Green Candle sessions. Between the Green Candle programme ending and the three month follow-up interviews, the care manager left and the interim manager was unable to participate in an interview. Green Candle Dance Company Green Candle is a dance company of 30 years standing that provides workshops for children, young people and older adults with (or without) physical and learning disabilities, offering them the opportunity to participate in and perform dance with the aim of enhancing health and promoting integration. They create tailor made packages of sessions, workshops and projects designed to meet each group’s specific needs, regardless of their age, stage or abilities. For example, they have sessions for both active older people (with relatively high levels of fitness) as well as for frail older people (seated dance workshops). The Green Candle programme at Rambert Care Home ran for 12 consecutive weeks from 14:00 - 16:00 every Friday. The programme was delivered by a lead dance facilitator along with a trainee who took on more responsibility throughout the programme, as well as a musician (a pianist for most of the sessions and a guitarist towards the end). Between 12 and 20 residents attended each week, along with two activities coordinators most weeks, one member of staff who worked in the laundry room, and one daughter of a resident. Members of care staff often watched parts of the sessions and occasionally joined in.