This project was set up to meet the needs of
patients staying in assessment and rehabilitation wards at
Edward Street Hospital, West Bromwich. The patients, staff
and carers worked with a STAA artist to create a banner for
display in the hospital. Activities included painting, drawing,
collage, hand and machine embroidery, appliqué’,
rag rugging, knitting, crochet, batik and metal work.
The participants: Patients were in hospital for short periods
before returning home or going on to new living accommodation.
Some people continued to attend the group after discharge
as out-patients or day hospital patients. Individuals were
referred to the project by occupational therapy staff. People
were invited to join the group. None refused.
The aims of the sessions were: to increase confidence and
self esteem; to reinforce personal identity, important for
people with dementia; to experience sensory stimulation (boredom
can be debilitating); to practice old skills and activities
(support in going back to things they once enjoyed doing);
to encourage socializing.
Outcomes were measured according to observations made by
the occupational therapists on the behaviour and attitudes
of participants while in hospital and when supporting them
at home.
21 afternoon sessions took place weekly. 22 patients took
part but not all at the same time. The banner was unveiled
at a ceremony. Many of the participants brought relatives
and friends to show off their work and celebrate their achievements.
The banner is on permanent display at Edward Street Hospital. |
Project Evaluation
Participants were interviewed during and after the completion
of the banner for their thoughts and attitudes to taking part.
Interviews were also conducted with occupational therapists
who had been closely involved in the work. All participants
had a positive experience from being involved in the project.
For some it helped them to cope better at the hospital, it
made their stay more bearable and it played a part in their
recovery.
One person positively identifies that participation was the
key to her recovery as it gave her the chance to believe in
herself once more encouraged by her peers:
The project had a positive impact on the well being of individuals.
It improved the quality of lives of those involved as it contributed
to increasing their feelings of well being in a number of
ways, such as from diverting them from their problems.
The project enabled people with dementia to engage with the
world and use the skills they still retained. One outcome
from interviews with the participants is that all who went
on to attend a day centre or day hospital expressed a wish
to continue doing meaningful activities and are aware of what
is possible. The project enthused and inspired people and
enriched their lives.
Summary of findings:
It helped people to take their mind off their worries.
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People gained enjoyment and pleasure.
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It gave people a chance to socialize.
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It stopped people from getting bored.
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It gave people a sense of purpose.
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It helped people feel better.
Interviews with participants and comments made by
Occupational Therapists. The interviews took place separately. |
Isabel:
On what the project meant to her: “I used to go over and, you know, I like anything like that
and the tapestry made all the difference to me...there's a satisfaction
in doing it, its soothing.”
O.T. comment: “I always
remember her saying that her tapestry work was a turning point for
her with her mental health needs. A very capable lady who had been
surprised by her mental health needs and had completely lost all
of her confidence. She began to develop coping strategies and a
different way of viewing life.”
O.T. comment: “She’d
become unable to do any of her old activities through being fearful
and anxious of everything....She was motivated to resume her old
hobbies such as knitting. She took it up with a vengeance again....It’s
given her self confidence as well. It helped to reduce her anxieties
and she used it (the group) as a coping strategy. |
Paul
On self esteem after a session: “Although
I say it myself I’m proud of that. It turned up a treat that
did...I like that.”
Comment from the artist: “Paul and I had a long talk about how he feels about being
in hospital. He says the sessions give him a sense of achievement
and he’s able to be seen as an individual with something to
offer.” |
Amy
On the pleasure she gained: “I’ve done such a lot....I’ve done all these things,
the podging, the knitting, the project...I’ve forgotten how
interesting it was... It made me feel better and lifted my spirits...it
was something different you know.”
On friendship and companionship: “They were so friendly and everybody had got something to
talk about here and there....it took it off your mind, yes, it did
me good, yes.”
O.T. comment: “She
really enjoyed socializing and gained a lot of support from people.” |
Sam
On activities: “I’m
always pleased to find something to do. I can’t sit doing
nothing.”
“It can help people; the hardest thing is
to get them to take an interest.....It was good for me anyway. I
can’t just sit there.”
Comment from the artist: “Whilst using the sewing machine,
Sam kept saying:” If only my dad could see me now!” |
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Sandra on her enjoyment:
“It was nice, lifted my spirits, because
I like to talk to people and there were different people from different
wards down there, I used to enjoy it.
“It made you face the tea time and the coming
night.”
“It was nice to feel you were doing something
useful....It seems worthwhile and I used to enjoy it. I think most
of them who used to go down enjoyed it.” |
Simon
O.T. comment:“It was
about self esteem. Due to life events he lost quite a lot of confidence...he
got a lot out of the sessions.”
“I was pleased to be doing something different, I was at peace...it
made the time pass.”
“It helped me...it put my mind at rest.”
O.T. comment: “He
was in a situation where he had to move out of his accommodation
and he had really very little left of his home and we have been
able to explore all that and his past in the art project...a lot
about identity as well as self esteem.”
Comment from artist about friendship: “Two men joined the group who had not met before and worked
together comfortably. The O.T. staff had been trying to get them
together.”
O.T. comment: “He
did enjoy the social interaction within the textile project. He
made a particular friend and that was a very positive relationship.” |
Sarah
On the importance of meaningful activity: “Oh I felt fed up (on the ward). I like television but only
at certain times. I can’t watch it all day...”
“I bet they all enjoyed it...its like me.,
I’ve got tinnitus and when I’m not doing anything I
can hear it but if I’m busy doing things I forget about it.”
“Oh yes it’s a very good idea (to have
arts activities) as I say you get bored and it probably brings a
bit more talent in you that you didn't think you could do before.”
“Apart from that...you forget your troubles,
you’re concentrating on what you’re doing, yeah I think
it’s a very good idea.”
O.T. comment: “She
is a lady who was very lonely and she’s made a number of friendships
which she is going to maintain.” |
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