Expanding arts therapies provision: a pilot project in Older Adult Mental Health Services, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the report is to summarise the progress made during a six-month pilot project expanding arts therapies provision from an inpatient service to community services, in a National Health Service health board's Older Adult Mental Health Services, in response to the need for direct therapy with older adults who have severe cognitive impairment and communication difficulties arising from dementia and/or complex mental health difficulties.

Study design: This is a case report on a pilot project.

Methods: The level of need for the service was explored, and indicators of effectiveness were gathered using evaluation forms-observer feedback forms and ARM-5 (Agnew Relationship Measure - 5) - to indicate the therapeutic alliance, team review and feedback from colleagues.

Results: To gather indications about the level of need, we recorded the following: number of referrals (n = 125) and waiting list numbers at the end of the project (n = 34).

Conclusions: This pilot project indicates that there is need for psychological interventions in older adult community mental health services that arts therapies provision can help address. The number of referrals is one indicator of the level of need, and positive feedback from clients, families and colleagues, is an indicator that the team delivered effectively. The areas of client need addressed in sessions as documented in observer feedback forms indicate that for these clients, arts therapies was a valuable resource in addressing challenges arising from mental health difficulties and/or dementia.

Keywords: Art therapies; Dementia; Mental health; NHS mental health services; Older adults.