Cultural plan model: integrating cultural and creative activities into care units for the elderly

Abstract

Background: The European Capital of Culture Action introduced a research and development project called Cultural Plans for Senior Citizens in 2011 in Turku, Finland. The project aimed at improving the quality of life of the elderly living in a long-term care (LTC) environment.

Methods: Developmental work research.

Results: The cultural plan was developed as a part of the care plan, and this turned the nursing personnel’s focus from traditional nursing to nursing based more on the cultural needs of the elderly clients. The elderly who were involved in the project described the cultural activities as bringing meaningfulness into their lives in the LTC units.

Conclusion: The project systematically integrated professional artists into elderly care.

Keywords:

• Well-being
• care
• plan
• culture
• creative activities
• artist