Impacts of Art Museum-Based Dementia Programs on Participating Care Partners

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the impacts of art museum-based dementia programming on participating care partners (CPs). Data were collected through telephone interviews with 29 caregivers who participated in one of three dementia programs: here: now at The Frye Art Museum, Seattle; Meaningful Moments at the Dallas Museum of Art, Texas; and Minds on Art at the Detroit Institute of the Arts, Michigan. Care partners reported that the program afforded them multiple benefits for their well-being, including stress relief and reduced feelings of social isolation. Care partners also reported positive impacts on their relationship with the person with dementia, as they saw this person as more capable, functioning in new ways, and enjoying the art. Results suggest the value of programs such as these within the growing population affected by dementia.