While scientists and researchers scramble to better understand the ways in which the coronavirus affects the body,we have a very clear understanding of the ways in which social isolation and loneliness affect people’s health and especially senior’s.
Those who do not feel sufficiently connected to others and are deprived of social contact are more likely to:
Experts indicate Art Therapy(AT)can play a crucial role to prevent mentioned dysfunctions.AT involves the use of creative techniques such as drawing,painting,collage,coloring or sculpting to help people express themselves artistically and examine the psychological and emotional undertones in their art.It helps older adults explore their emotions,improve selfesteem,
relieve stress,improve symptoms of anxiety and depression and cope with a physical illness or disability.
In the light of the mentioned facts,the project aims to facilitate the application of AT techniques on older adults and their caregivers to ensure their mental well beings especially during the lockdown and social isolation times.
Target group
Project outcomes and activities will be available for professionals working in social service institutions such as psychologists, physical therapists, adult trainers, nurses and social workers. These professionals will help facilitate Art Therapy applications for seniors who are cared for in their institutions.
Furthermore, home assisted seniors and their caregivers, family members will also be beneficiaries of the activities through guides, podcasts and training videos.
Expected results
1) Curriculum: ir will include training program and training modules. This curriculum will be applied to professionals working in social service institutions such as psychologists, physiotherapists, adult trainers, nurses and social workers. In addition to the training program, this output will include training session plans.
After following the training program, these professionals should be proficient in facilitating Art Theraphy sessions in their organizations.
2) Practical Guide: This guide will aim to guide seniors and their caregivers who will practice Art Theraphy at home. This guide will explain the activities to be carried out step by step. This guide will also be supported by podcasts and learning videos incorporated into the online learning platform.
3) Training videos as podcasts: These videos will be aimed primarily at older people, their caregivers and family members. Podcasts will help them apply art therapy activities at home by introducing and illustrating each step for proper application.
4) Online learning platform
The platform will be a set of interactive online services that offers learners the opportunity to study and interact online about the training program and provides relevant tools, information and resources (books, videos, etc.) for study.
In addition, the platform will also include the learning podcasts mentioned in point 3.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Programme. This Publication [Communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. 2020-1-TR01-KA227-ADU-097696
