Case Studies

A Group Project- Treasure Chest Banner

This project was set up to meet the needs of patients staying in assessment and rehabilitation wards at Edward Street Hospital, West Bromwich. The patients, staff and carers worked with a STAA artist to create a banner for display in the hospital. Activities included painting, drawing, collage, hand and machine embroidery, appliqué’, rag rugging, knitting, crochet, batik and metal work.

The participants: Patients were in hospital for short periods before returning home or going on to new living accommodation. Some people continued to attend the group after discharge as out-patients or day hospital patients. Individuals were referred to the project by occupational therapy staff. People were invited to join the group. None refused.

The aims of the sessions were: to increase confidence and self esteem; to reinforce personal identity, important for people with dementia; to experience sensory stimulation (boredom can be debilitating); to practice old skills and activities (support in going back to things they once enjoyed doing); to encourage socializing.

Outcomes were measured according to observations made by the occupational therapists on the behaviour and attitudes of participants while in hospital and when supporting them at home.

21 afternoon sessions took place weekly. 22 patients took part but not all at the same time. The banner was unveiled at a ceremony. Many of the participants brought relatives and friends to show off their work and celebrate their achievements. The banner is on permanent display at Edward Street Hospital.

Project Evaluation

Participants were interviewed during and after the completion of the banner for their thoughts and attitudes to taking part. Interviews were also conducted with occupational therapists who had been closely involved in the work. All participants had a positive experience from being involved in the project. For some it helped them to cope better at the hospital, it made their stay more bearable and it played a part in their recovery.

One person positively identifies that participation was the key to her recovery as it gave her the chance to believe in herself once more encouraged by her peers:

The project had a positive impact on the well being of individuals. It improved the quality of lives of those involved as it contributed to increasing their feelings of well being in a number of ways, such as from diverting them from their problems.

The project enabled people with dementia to engage with the world and use the skills they still retained. One outcome from interviews with the participants is that all who went on to attend a day centre or day hospital expressed a wish to continue doing meaningful activities and are aware of what is possible. The project enthused and inspired people and enriched their lives.

Summary of findings:

It helped people to take their mind off their worries.
People gained enjoyment and pleasure.
It gave people a chance to socialize.
It stopped people from getting bored.
It gave people a sense of purpose.
It helped people feel better.

Interviews with participants and comments made by Occupational Therapists. The interviews took place separately.

Isabel:

On what the project meant to her: “I used to go over and, you know, I like anything like that and the tapestry made all the difference to me...there's a satisfaction in doing it, its soothing.”

O.T. comment: “I always remember her saying that her tapestry work was a turning point for her with her mental health needs. A very capable lady who had been surprised by her mental health needs and had completely lost all of her confidence. She began to develop coping strategies and a different way of viewing life.”

O.T. comment: “She’d become unable to do any of her old activities through being fearful and anxious of everything....She was motivated to resume her old hobbies such as knitting. She took it up with a vengeance again....It’s given her self confidence as well. It helped to reduce her anxieties and she used it (the group) as a coping strategy.

Paul

On self esteem after a session: “Although I say it myself I’m proud of that. It turned up a treat that did...I like that.”

Comment from the artist: “Paul and I had a long talk about how he feels about being in hospital. He says the sessions give him a sense of achievement and he’s able to be seen as an individual with something to offer.”

Amy

On the pleasure she gained: “I’ve done such a lot....I’ve done all these things, the podging, the knitting, the project...I’ve forgotten how interesting it was... It made me feel better and lifted my spirits...it was something different you know.”

On friendship and companionship: “They were so friendly and everybody had got something to talk about here and there....it took it off your mind, yes, it did me good, yes.”

O.T. comment: “She really enjoyed socializing and gained a lot of support from people.”

Sam

On activities: “I’m always pleased to find something to do. I can’t sit doing nothing.”;

“It can help people; the hardest thing is to get them to take an interest.....It was good for me anyway. I can’t just sit there.”

Comment from the artist: “Whilst using the sewing machine, Sam kept saying:” If only my dad could see me now!”

“I thought it was absolutely beautiful...beautiful. Something to be proud of.” Amy.

“I think it’s the fellowship that is involved that is worthwhile. Other people that you know have suffered the way you have, sort of thing and they’re doing it, they are producing things, if they can so can you, you see! Yes- it helps you to believe in yourself.” “In other words its not medication, its motivation!” Isabel.

Sandra on her enjoyment:

“It was nice, lifted my spirits, because I like to talk to people and there were different people from different wards down there, I used to enjoy it.

“It made you face the tea time and the coming night.”

“It was nice to feel you were doing something useful....It seems worthwhile and I used to enjoy it. I think most of them who used to go down enjoyed it.”

Simon

O.T. comment:“It was about self esteem. Due to life events he lost quite a lot of confidence...he got a lot out of the sessions.”

“I was pleased to be doing something different, I was at peace...it made the time pass.”

“It helped me...it put my mind at rest.”

O.T. comment: “He was in a situation where he had to move out of his accommodation and he had really very little left of his home and we have been able to explore all that and his past in the art project...a lot about identity as well as self esteem.”

Comment from artist about friendship: “Two men joined the group who had not met before and worked together comfortably. The O.T. staff had been trying to get them together.”

O.T. comment: “He did enjoy the social interaction within the textile project. He made a particular friend and that was a very positive relationship.”

Sarah

On the importance of meaningful activity: “Oh I felt fed up (on the ward). I like television but only at certain times. I can’t watch it all day...”

“I bet they all enjoyed it...its like me., I’ve got tinnitus and when I’m not doing anything I can hear it but if I’m busy doing things I forget about it.”

“Oh yes it’s a very good idea (to have arts activities) as I say you get bored and it probably brings a bit more talent in you that you didn't think you could do before.”

“Apart from that...you forget your troubles, you’re concentrating on what you’re doing, yeah I think it’s a very good idea.”

O.T. comment: “She is a lady who was very lonely and she’s made a number of friendships which she is going to maintain.”

Charity number 1094820, Company number 04298302