Creative Journeys Report 2019

Creative Journeys 53 The fact that arts facilitators were external professionals delivering a high quality programme was important – they were seen as new and young by the residents and this captured their interest. In the arts organisations focus group, it was identified that professional artists compared to most activities coordinators or care home staff have access to resources, special/unique skills, new ideas, are trained in the arts, and have confidence in facilitating and improvisation, which provides a quality experience for the participants. Giving them inspiration to try new ideas as a constant. It is just different when you bring in amazing artists who are going to inspire people to think differently or to feel valued actually by having someone who is at the top of their game in their home. I think that’s quite powerful. (Arts organisations focus group) One of the activities coordinators from stage one also alluded to these particular skills and qualities that the arts facilitators possessed. It takes a special kind of person to do what they do. It takes a very special person, and they do it very well. (Stage one activities coordinator) And one of the survey respondents expressed the value of “external experts” who are “skilled in their field” but also able “to dedicate their time without distractions” , unlike other staff members within the home. However, in addition to the financial implications of funding these programmes there were other consequences in that some residents experienced negative emotions when the programme finished, becoming upset and even crying during the interview at the thought of not seeing the arts facilitators again. This suggests a need for the legacies and sustainability of such programmes to be considered and for care homes to develop strategies to support residents when such activities come to an end. In terms of ‘non-professional’ facilitators of arts activities, such as activities coordinators, members of care staff, or volunteers; stage two findings identified a number of important aspects to their approaches that enabled positive impacts of the arts on the social relationships of residents. For example, providing a variety of different arts and cultural activities to cater for different interests, needs, and preferences of both residents and staff. …they were making bird feeders…they did it so everyone’s different needs, because everyone’s got different grips with Parkinson’s and all the illnesses that older people get, it was done very inclusive to make sure that everyone could take part who wanted to take part. [Activities Coordinators] make sure…everyone’s included, no matter what it is. (Stage two staff member) Having this range available allows for utilising the skills, strengths, individuality and interests of residents and staff. The importance of choice and autonomy was also emphasised: not all residents want to take part in all activities and this should be respected, and both residents and staff should be able to suggest activities that they would like to do. In addition to its importance for professional arts facilitators, the value of flexibility and adapting activities to individual capabilities of residents/staff was described in relation to care home staff members or volunteers facilitating arts activities (and also for any external facilitators hired). Finally, the last question of