NHS & Health Care

Benefits of delivering Drawing and Talking Therapy for Health Care Professionals:

The National Service Framework for Older People (NSFOP), established in the UK in 2001, set out standards to improve the quality of health and social care for older people.

Drawing and Talking Therapy can support the fulfilment and delivery of several key aspects of this framework:

• Standard 1 – Rooting out Age Discrimination: Drawing and Talking Therapy is adaptable to individuals of all ages, promoting inclusivity and equality in care. It can be particularly beneficial for older adults, addressing their unique emotional needs without any age-related bias.
• Standard 2 – Person-Centred Care: This therapy aligns with the ethos of person-centred care by focusing on the individual experiences and emotions of each older adult. It supports the principle of treating each person as an individual and respecting their autonomy and preferences during sessions.
• Standard 3 – Intermediate Care: Drawing and Talking Therapy can be part of an intermediate care plan, offering a non-intrusive and gentle way to support older adults’ mental health and emotional well-being during transitions in care, such as moving from hospital to home.
• Standard 4 – General Hospital Care: In hospital settings, this therapy can provide emotional support to older adults, helping them process feelings related to hospitalisation, illness, and dependency. It can enhance the quality of care in these settings by facilitating safe and secure relationship during long to medium-term in-patient care.
• Standard 5 – Stroke Care: For older adults recovering from strokes, Drawing and Talking Therapy can offer a form of expression and communication, especially for those who may have impairments in verbal communication. It can aid in emotional processing or trauma and adjustment during recovery.
• Standard 6 – Falls: While primarily addressing emotional needs, the therapy can indirectly support older adults recovering from falls by providing a safe space to express fears and anxieties related to falling, mobility, and independence.
• Standard 7 – Mental Health in Older Adults: Drawing and Talking Therapy directly supports this standard by providing a tailored approach to address mental health issues in older adults. It can be particularly effective in dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions prevalent in this age group.
• Standard 8 – The Promotion of Health and Active Life in Older Age: Drawing and Talking Therapy contributes to the overall health and activity levels of older adults, as mental health is a key component of holistic health and active living.