Older people in the Hunter region, including those who are frail-aged, living with dementia, have a Parkinson’s diagnosis, or wanting social connection, will benefit from an innovative new arts program to be launched next month. 

Arts on Prescription in the Hunter, an evidence-based wellness program developed by HammondCare, will be run by professional artists with weekly sessions at the Hudson Street Hum, Hamilton with sessions beginning March 10. Sessions will be in groups with one-on-one in-home visits as well.

Arts programs to be offered – ranging from visual arts to music – are tailored to the individual participant, meaning people who are visually impaired, have a physical injury or cognitive impairment can all participate. 

Older people with Home Care Packages or receiving Short Term Restorative Care support may be able to participate by allocating funds under their care package, so no direct cost to them. 

HammondCare will offer a free session – open to all – on Wednesday, March 5, 3.15-4.15pm, during the Newcastle Seniors Festival at the Hudson Street Hum.

Dr Duncan McKellar (below, left), Acting General Manager for HammondCare’s Dementia Centre said older people with a love of art would be catered for, however, the ethos is that everyone has innate creativity and can benefit from the play, laughter and connection that comes with art. 

He said the Arts on Prescription program, developed over many years, has shown art participation can offer quality of life benefits for older people.

These benefits include self-expression, social connection, stress relief and mindfulness, strengthening mobility and motor skills, developing new skills and cognitive stimulation through engaging curiosity.

“For those who are socially isolated or experiencing depression and anxiety, the program is friendly way to be with other people, get out of the house, and express their feelings and creativity,” he said.

He said an added benefit is time out for carers. Can have time to recharge as their loved one is being nourished and supervised in a group arts activity.

HammondCare Lead Artist Practitioner Charlotte Salusinszky said artists involved are trained to meet the needs of every participant and their backgrounds.

For participants with low vision, for example, the artists use a material called “paper clay” which is very malleable and tactile to work with. Where participants are living with dementia, creative activities often provoke reminiscing.

“The artists understand how to tailor activities for people with a range of needs and skill levels, including those who just want to do art to those with dementia, physical disability and other needs,” she said.

Aunt Ella McGrath, 75, of Macquarie Hills, is a local artist eager to participate in the new Arts on Prescription program at the Hudson Street Hum.

Aunt McGrath, a proud Wiradjuri woman born near Dubbo, had to re-learn her painting skills after a stroke four years ago. She went through rehabilitation at John Hunter Hospital. “It was my love of painting that kept me going,” she said.

Aunt McGrath describes how her inspiration “just comes out of me” when she sits down to paint a canvas.