Meaning and impact of creative dance and story telling in long term care: An interdisciplinary perspective

Purpose: The aim of this study was to apply mixed methods to explore the impact of an arts-based program incorporating creative dance, reminiscence and story-making on the quality of life of long term care residents. Design and Methods: A creative dance and story-telling program was implemented in 5 long-term care facilities. Quantitative measures of cognition (MMSE), mood (GDS), and balance (Berg Balance Scale) were collected at the beginning of the program and after each 12 week session by facility staff. These data were analyzed using a retrospective design with paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA. The prospective phase of the study was conducted at the end of the program in two facilities. Semi-structured interviews were administered to 11 volunteers and staff and 3 caregivers. Questions focused on their observations of the dance program's impact. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement (n=71, t=-2.11, p=.034) in balance scores from baseline (m=22.55, SD=16.36) to 12 weeks (m=24.15, SD=17.46). No significant differences were found on any measure at 24 or 36 weeks. Framework analysis of the qualitative data suggested that the program had a positive impact on participants' mood, cognition, mobility, personal validation and creativity. There was also a positive influence on the atmosphere of the long term care facilities. Implications: This mixed-method study suggests that creative dance programming can have a positive influence on long term residents. Quantitative results were mixed but largely remained stable over time, while qualitatively positive impacts were reported for participants, caregivers, staff and the facilities.