Art in Elderly Facilities: A Weapon Against Mental Health Issues

A study published in PubMed (public medicine.gov) seems to conclude that so-called "art therapy" is extremely conducive to prolonged stable mental health in older individuals who reside in nursing homes.  Art seems to not only improve general disposition and mood but also helps elders who are beginning to struggle with fine motor skills.  When one is focused and invested in something, they are seemingly less likely to enter into a state of depression or become anxious about their situation.  The authors praise the art programs in nursing homes but do admit that it would be very difficult to integrate such programs into all nursing homes.  It is expensive and requires a full time commitment from at least one art instructor.  The authors also present the idea that residents can find valuable forms of self expression through artistic endeavors.  Being able to blow off steam or other negative emotions via art is a healthy release that promotes well being and also allows the resident in question to formally acknowledge whatever it is they're are struggling with inside.  For residents that are severely impaired or unable to engage in communication, art can serve as just that, a way of talking with the world around them and expressing themselves in the process.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10114781

What Would it Cost to Integrate Mental Health Services into Elderly Homes?

In 1987 the Nursing Home Reform act was passed, making it legally mandatory that all nursing homes provide basic mental health services for all registered residents.  In 1993, three PhD authors published an article in The Journal of Mental Health Administration.  The authors discuss what particular services should be added to nursing homes and how expensive it would be to make such additions.  The authors argue that one of the more affordable methodologies towards administering mental health assistance is via the use of group psychotherapy.  This would allow groups of residents to receive treatment, all at one time, thus cutting down on expense.  Regardless of such methodologies, the authors still conclude that adding true mental health services to nursing homes would be extremely expensive.  Despite the legality of having to provide basic mental health services, nursing homes could still greatly benefit from a full on mental health support system.  The authors consistently stress that more money should be directed towards creating a screening process in each and every registered nursing home in the country.  Such a process could help to identify patients with mental illnesses or those prone to becoming depressed, anxious, etc.  It seems to me that prevention is the best weapon against mental health disorders.  Knowing when someone is likely to have a mental break or be prone to suicidal behavior puts staff and workers on alert.  Psychotropic drugs and an onboard psychiatrist would also be a lot better than just over-doping troubled patients with generic medications.



http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02518691#page-1