Residents had a fantastic Arts in Care Homes Day on 24 September where we celebrated our creative communities and how art brings us all together, especially in these current times.
Some super clay snails were created at Saxonwood Care Home in Battle. Residents donned their aprons and gloves to mold their cheeky snails which gave their hands and fingers a work out. They also named their snails which provided much amusement and laughter, we had everything from Henry and Speedy to Simon and Sammy. The snails all look brilliant and the residents are looking forward to painting their new characters next week! Thank you to Creative Minds for supplying a brilliant art box full of all the materials for this creative challenge.
Residents at Woodlands care home in Crowborough painted beautiful autumnal oak trees. They aptly say along to the song 'tie a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree' and enjoyed a jolly good time together. Fred said "Well I quite enjoyed that!"
These projects were led by our dedicated Activity Co-ordinators who deliver our 'Sunny Moments Club' where we aim to make the sun shine every day for residents through a varied programme of daily activites to suit all hobbies and interests.
Arts in Care Homes Day is a national annual event is a project managed by NAPA and funded by The Baring Foundation and The Rayne Foundation. There is a wealth of arts activities taking place in care homes across England. These range from everyday creative activities run by staff in care homes, including flower arranging and cake decorating, to large scale arts projects such as A Choir in Every Care Home.
There is lots of research that proves that access to the the arts makes care home residents happier and healthier. We believe that residents should be offered a wide range of arts activities on a daily basis to enhance their quality of life and increase wellbeing and motivation.