Key learning points
There are many examples illustrated in this report of Fellows delivering good
practice influenced by their travels and these should have a wider impact on policy.
* Supportive, high-quality leadership is critical to the success of creative initiatives and their influence on organisational culture in care settings.
* Partnership working between the cultural, health and adult education sectors should support the development of imaginative day services for older people.
* The importance of developing artists' networks to share ideas and best practice is essential for the growth of the sector.
* There is a need for 'shadowing' opportunities and more formal training opportunities for artists working in the field.
* There is a need for longer-term artists' residencies in care homes rather than traditional two-hour weekly sessions, with an emphasis on involving managers, staff team and residents ' a 'whole home' approach.
* Care staff training needs to incorporate creative approaches and the role of activities co-ordinators needs to be elevated, with a clear path to continued
professional development.
* Better advocacy is required to raise the profile of the
* There is huge potential for delivering multi-sensory, multi art form approaches to support the quality of life for people living with dementia in care homes and this needs cross sector
* Creative and artistic initiatives should be used for care staff self-care to help staff retention.
