Care Home Staff

Why every care home would benefit from staff trained in Drawing and Talking:

Incorporating Drawing and Talking into a care home setting aligns closely with the needs and priorities of care home managers in several key ways:

• Enhancing resident well-being: Care home managers prioritise the overall well-being of their residents. Drawing and Talking therapy provides an effective way to address emotional and psychological needs, particularly for residents who may struggle with verbal expression due to age-related conditions or emotional barriers. This therapy offers a non-intrusive avenue for emotional processing, supporting mental health and improving the overall quality of life for residents.
• Managing behavioural challenges: Residents, especially those living with dementia or other cognitive impairments, may exhibit challenging behaviours due to underlying emotional distress. Drawing and Talking therapy can help in understanding and addressing these underlying issues, leading to a reduction in stress and anxiety for both residents and staff.
• Building stronger relationships: This therapy fosters deeper connections between residents and caregivers. By engaging in a shared activity that focuses on the resident's emotional world, caregivers can gain insights into the residents’ experiences and feelings, leading to improved empathy and care.
• Compliance with regulatory standards: Care homes are often required to meet certain standards regarding the mental and emotional care of residents. Implementing Drawing and Talking therapy can be an effective way for care home managers to meet these regulatory requirements, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive resident care.
• Staff development and support: Training staff in Drawing and Talking therapy enhances their skill set, empowering them to provide better emotional support to residents. This not only benefits the residents but also contributes to staff job satisfaction and professional development.
• Attracting and retaining residents and staff: Offering innovative therapies like Drawing and Talking can be a unique selling point for a care home. This can help to attract residents and families seeking comprehensive and compassionate care and quality staff who desire to work in an environment where mental health and wellbeing is seen as a priority.
• Creating a therapeutic environment: Regularly scheduled Drawing and Talking sessions contribute to a therapeutic and nurturing environment within the care home, promoting a sense of community and belonging among residents and staff and families involved.
• Cost-effectiveness: Drawing and Talking therapy requires minimal resources and can be conducted individually or in groups. This makes it a cost-effective solution for emotional and mental health care within a care home setting.