A participatory arts programme – Shared experience for family caregivers and care recipients

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to describe family caregivers of older people's experiences of participatory art interventions, including music, dance and visual arts. Design: A descriptive qualitative study. Methods: Thematic interviews were conducted with 12 family caregivers. Qualitative data were analysed with thematic analysis. Results: The results illustrated the meaning of art groups, which included a shared feeling of togetherness, empowering and activating peer support and a sense of communality. Art groups also represented a hobby, enhancing caregivers' social and mental well-being. The art groups could be described as an art-driven, participatory shared experience. Participatory arts are noteworthy contributors to the well-being of family caregivers and care recipients, especially from peer support and communality. Further research is needed to find out about participants' preferred art-based activities and their impact on their well-being. No patient or public contribution because of inflexibility in the timing of engagement.