The Art of Wellbeing

The transformative power of the arts extends far beyond entertainment, particularly in later life care where creative expression becomes a vital component of holistic wellbeing. At KYN, we understand that creativity and artistic engagement form essential pillars of comprehensive care, enriching the daily lives of our residents across our care homes in London.

Below, Jessica Shiel, KYN's Head of Life Enrichment & Wellbeing explores how the arts enrich daily life for residents in care homes, examining the therapeutic benefits, adaptive approaches, and outcomes that emerge when creativity meets compassionate care.

What Does Arts in Care Really Mean?

At KYN, we view arts programming as far more than simple recreational activity. Our comprehensive arts programme encompasses visual arts, dramatic arts, music, storytelling and creative expression in all its forms. This approach recognises that artistic engagement serves multiple therapeutic purposes - reducing anxiety and stress, enhancing cognitive function, and fostering meaningful social connections amongst residents, families, and care teams. The therapeutic aspect of arts participation extends beyond immediate enjoyment.

When residents engage with creative activities, they often discover a renewed sense of purpose that naturally fosters self-esteem. The accomplishment of mastering a new skill, whether it's watercolour painting or learning a musical piece, creates moments of pride and achievement. Performing arts particularly excel at expanding communication skills and social interaction, whilst providing invaluable opportunities for self-expression and increased self-awareness.

How Do the Arts Transform Daily Life in Care?

The integration of arts into daily care routines represents a fundamental shift from traditional care models towards person-centred approaches that honour individual creativity and expression.

Music as Medicine

Music stands as an essential pillar of dementia care, woven thoughtfully into each resident's personalised care plan. This might manifest through live musical performances featuring opera, jazz, or popular music, personalised playlists that connect residents with cherished memories, or active music-making sessions where residents create their own melodies.

Each resident's musical preferences are carefully documented and incorporated into their care plan, ensuring that their individual tastes and emotional connections to music are respected and utilised therapeutically.

Visual Arts and Craft Activities

Art-making and craft activities provide crucial non-verbal avenues for self-expression, particularly valuable for residents who may struggle with traditional communication. These creative pursuits serve multiple therapeutic functions - improving hand-eye coordination, enhancing dexterity, and supporting cognitive health through the learning of new techniques.

Recent programming has included textile workshops, printmaking sessions, painting classes, sculpture work, and calligraphy instruction, all led by practising artists and experienced arts educators.

What Creative Opportunities Does KYN Offer?

Our diverse programming reflects a commitment to offering varied creative experiences that cater to different interests and abilities. Recently, movement-based programming included our Dancer in Residence project with dancer and choreographer Carly Blackburn, bringing the joy of movement and dance directly to residents. Dramatic arts programming has proven particularly engaging, with recent six-week programmes of improvisational drama sessions creating collaborative experiences that strengthen community bonds between residents.

Live music performances regularly feature diverse genres including opera, jazz, instrumental pieces featuring harp and piano, ensuring that varied musical tastes are celebrated and enjoyed. Looking ahead, we're thrilled to announce our planned Artist in Residence programme for Autumn 2025 with Emily Tracy whose previous projects include The Museum of London, Bletchley Park, the Arts Council and Kings College  .  Emily’s programme will bring sustained creative energy and expertise directly into our care environments.

How Do We Adapt Arts Activities for Different Needs?

Successful arts programming in care settings requires sophisticated understanding of varied cognitive and physical abilities. Our Life Enrichment team receives specialised training to respond appropriately to the varying levels of engagement from residents living with dementia.

Each resident's care plan contains detailed information about their specific support needs, ensuring that artistic activities are both accessible and meaningful. Our programming deliberately builds in flexibility, offering multiple entry points for participation.

For instance, a single art session might include pre-prepared elements requiring minimal input from residents, supported activities where residents work alongside team members, and completely independent creative opportunities for those who prefer working from scratch.

The success of these adaptive approaches depends heavily on establishing close relationships with visiting artists and practitioners, ensuring they receive proper briefings about residents' needs and capabilities.

What Outcomes Do We Observe?

The most remarkable outcomes from arts participation include reductions in anxiety levels and noticeable increases in feelings of accomplishment and pride, leading to enhanced self-esteem. Social connections strengthen naturally as residents collaborate and share creative experiences together.

Our recent drama programming exemplifies these benefits beautifully. Residents collaborated through dance, music, poetry, and improvisational scenes, resulting in improved mood and increased communication amongst participants.

These collaborative creative experiences create neutral ground where both carers and residents can explore unfamiliar territory together, strengthening their relationships through shared discovery and self-expression.

How Do Families and Communities Connect?

We actively encourage family involvement in our arts programming, recognising that creative activities provide wonderful opportunities for connection and shared experience. Families frequently attend our music events and talks programmes, helping residents settle into this new stage of life with familiar faces and ongoing support.

Community connections extend beyond families through partnerships with local schools and nurseries, creating meaningful intergenerational activities that benefit everyone involved. We're also developing innovative programmes providing peer-to-peer support with community members at risk of isolation, recognising that creativity builds bridges across all life stages. The arts offer profound pathways to wellbeing, dignity, and connection in later life.

Through thoughtful, adaptive programming, we witness daily the transformative power of creative expression in enriching lives and strengthening communities within our homes.

Experience the KYN Difference

At KYN, we believe that later life should continue to be filled with beauty, creativity, and meaningful experiences. Our arts programme forms an integral part of our holistic approach to care, complementing our commitment to providing exceptional residential and nursing care in stunning environments across our homes.

Our dedicated Life Enrichment teams work closely with residents, families, and visiting artists to create personalised programmes that honour each individual's interests, abilities, and aspirations. Through our innovative approach to arts in care, we help residents maintain their sense of identity, purpose, and joy throughout their journey with us.

To discover how KYN's arts programme could enrich the life of someone you love, contact us today. Request a brochure, arrange a visit, or speak with our care experts. Experience firsthand how the art of wellbeing flourishes within our caring communities.