Clown Care

The Clown Care team offer opportunities to take part in artistic activity, using the gentle and open character of a clown. They offer an impartial way of entertaining, supporting and empowering individuals who may struggle with lack of social interaction, depression, restlessness, confusion and isolation from the outside world. Care home staff refer individuals to the team and give a reason for the referral plus basic information e.g. age, interests and medical conditions. Developments arising from the visit are fed back to care staff and may be built on in subsequent visits.

Working in pairs, members of the Clown Care team are smartly dressed, and use reminiscence work, music, and object exploration to give residents time to share their thoughts and memories. The artists endeavour to help individuals to communicate in a playful and non-threatening way.

The programme also endeavours to assist the care workers by providing activity that does not require a great deal of staff input. Families are encouraged to participate, and recognise the positive addition that the programme makes to the care of their relatives. Our recent delivery in Wansbeck and Blyth demonstrated the benefits and positive impact that Clown Care activity can have for the residents, visitors and staff of third-age care homes.

We are keen to talk to care homes that believe that the Clown Care team could enhance the service they provide. Please call Clare Andrews on 0191 384 0728 or email clare@tinarts.co.uk

Date Published: Monday, 13 September, 2010