Enhancing the caregiving experience of family care partners in Singapore through an arts programme for persons with dementia: an exploratory study

Abstract

Objectives: Arts-based programmes for persons with dementia have shown promise in alleviating some of the caregiving challenges for family care partners. The present study sought to broaden the sociocultural perspectives of arts-based programmes by investigating the impact of a locally developed Arts & Dementia programme for persons with dementia on their family care partners in Singapore.Methods: Thirty-two family care partners of persons with dementia who participated in the Arts & Dementia programme were recruited. A mixed-methodological study was employed utilising quantitative pre- and post-programme data from the Zarit Burden Interview and Gain in Alzheimer care Instrument, and qualitative data from semi-structured group interviews.Results: Although there were no self-reported short-term changes in perceived caregiving difficulties and gains, semi-structured group interviews revealed potential caregiving benefits. Six overarching themes were identified: (1) contentment and social engagement, (2) re-connecting and developing new interests, (3) positive influence on caregiving, (4) enhancements to the programme, (5) more arts programmes, and (6) more support for families living with dementia.Conclusion: The present study highlights potential benefits of community-based arts activities in enabling caregiving to be a more positive experience for care partners.

Supplemental data for this article is available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2021.2008306

‘I kept blaming myself for not spending enough time with him. Communication with him is different now. Watching him on the stage, he is happy and with a purpose’. (Gary, male)

Keywords:

• Care partners
• quality of life
• arts
• mixed-method
• dementia

Acknowledgments

This research was made possible by the National Arts Council Singapore, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Peranakan Museum, and Malay Heritage Centre. The authors wish to extend their gratitude to all participants for their voluntary and active involvement in the Arts & Dementia programme. The authors also wish to thank all artists and volunteers for their continued support, and Dr. Phillip Yap, Denise Lim, Ruth Wong, DCM mappers, and staff from Dementia Singapore Ltd. for their help in the research.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Research & Development Grant [grant number NAC R&D.002.001] from the National Arts Council, Singapore.