Older people living in their own home are enjoying one-on-one sessions with professional artists included in their Home Care Packages under an innovative program that can boost wellbeing and social connection.

HammondCare At Home is offering art lessons under the Arts on Prescription @ Home program to clients, including those living with dementia, in addition to the usual cleaning and personal care services offered by home care providers.

In some cases, GPs and other professionals may refer the client to receive visits by artists for its health benefits.

Lorraine Carroll, 87, and Roslyn Rooke, 69, are among clients receiving visits from one of HammondCare’s 15 trained artists who can offer engagement in painting as well as singing, acting, and dancing. The visits are paid for through their Home Care Packages.

HammondCare At Home General Manager Bay Warburton said the home care provider was the only one in Australia offering art therapy in the home to its clients who would benefit.

“It’s all part of the wide range of services we can offer to look after the whole person.” Mr Warburton said.

“We support clients physical, mental, clinical, and spiritual wellbeing. We work as a team to provide our clients with personalised care.”

Lorraine, a retired dressmaker, enjoys a regular visit from artist Shirley Cambitzi at her Dee Why home where the two work with watercolours on landscapes, portraits and still life works. Another artist, Vanessa Leary, has also spent time with Lorraine.

Shirley has receiving fortnightly visits after joining HammondCare At Home after hearing about the Arts on Prescription @ Home program through friends.

Lorraine is living with mobility challenges and uses a walker, but she speaks with enthusiasm about the “sense of achievement” she feels through art. She throws herself into the work.

“The amazing thing is how I can get lost in art. It takes my mind off everything,” Lorraine said.

“I know I am working on something worthwhile that my children and grandchildren can have long after I am gone if they want.”

Roslyn, of Carlingford, initially started doing art for its health benefits under a Short-Term Restorative Care program. When she moved to a Home Care Package, she was keen to continue her involvement with art.

With artist Michelle Lo, Roslyn began to fulfill a lifetime ambition to learn how to paint.

“I always had an interest in art – all my life – but never learned to draw or understand perspective or do faces,” the retired preschool teacher said.

“When HammondCare At Home offered me the chance to spend time with an artist, I jumped at it”

Roslyn lives with painful osteoarthritis in her hands and the fine motor skills are helpful. She also says spending time with Michelle benefits her mental health.

Roslyn said: “I don’t have a lot of social interaction. When she comes it’s so enjoyable it’s almost like having a friend come.”

“It really builds my confidence.”

Recently published research, “Arts on Prescription @ Home – Home-delivered Participatory Art Pilot to Support Wellbeing in Dementia Carer and care Recipient Dyads” in The Journal of Ageing and Social Change, found the program offers genuine health and wellbeing benefits.

Director of HammondCare’s Centre for Positive Ageing Professor Christopher Poulos, who developed the program, said clients and carers enjoyed enhanced social interaction, opportunities to be “in flow” and experience personal growth and achievement.

“Arts on Prescription @ Home has the potential to bring joy into the homes of older people, including those living with dementia,” Professor Poulos said.