Drama has positive effect on mental health in care homes

Of the many varied and stimulating activities that can contribute to entertainment in care homes, drama performances are perhaps the most interactive and engaging for their capacity to delight and stimulate residents.

Actor Nicole Gaskell, who has performed in many care homes across Wales and the North West of England, for , has found that her role brings ongoing satisfaction and improves health and wellbeing.

She says, “I have performed extensively in care homes and without exception there has always been at least one resident who has been momentarily changed as a result of our performance. Whether it’s past memories, or the refreshing change of news faces and live entertainment, it’s always rewarding to know you’ve put a smile on that person’s face.”

Fellow performer Karl Seth, who worked on the Casagua production of the seaside comedy ‘How To Relax in Andalucia’ also speaks warmly of many rewarding experiences in care homes.

“I am a professional actor and singer, with many years experience performing across Britain, Europe and USA. I have also performed a cabaret act for many years (Karl Benedict-Salute to the Legends) which I take to pubs, clubs, parties and anniversaries. This includes regular shows for many retirement/residential care homes, day centres and sheltered housing associations throughout the North West of England.

“I derive particular satisfaction from performing at care homes and day centres, as I find my songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s are especially well received, with both residents and staff dancing and interacting with each other (and me), with such energy and delight. Great fun always had by all - including me! So I am extremely excited to be involved with Casagua Productions whose mandate is to bring an entertaining and fun theatrical experience to care homes and day centres using only professional actors and singers.”

Director of drama resource, advice and information provider Arts on the Move, Alison Chaplin, comments on the positive contribution of drama on all our lives, saying:

“Drama has many benefits for its participants, not least the development of self-confidence and self-esteem. There are no ‘wrong’ answers in drama; you can make it ‘better’, or ‘different’, but you can’t get it wrong. This creates an atmosphere of creativity, where ideas can be explored without worrying about rejection or ridicule.

“Drama is also known to build social skills by encouraging participants to work in an environment of mutual trust and respect. The very nature of drama encourages exploration of issues and feelings, and this has to be done in a way that makes every participant feel both encouraged and encouraging.

“Using drama to explore sensitive subjects helps participants to express feelings in a way that no other participatory activity can. Working in role allows a deeper exploration of issues because this can be done from a perspective of being ‘someone else’.

“Drama is unique in all of these aspects and that’s why it can have such a positive impact on mental health.”

Indeed, drama in a form that allows the audience to interact with the performers seems to be getting more and more popular.

One such workshop performance example was 'The Power of Now', carried out by performance company Red Sauce, which care home residents responded positively to, particularly as the content was designed to mirror issues faced by older people today, such as losing life partners, health, loneliness and depression.

Resident of Portchester Day Centre, Hampshire, Margaret Hartley, commented: “Really interesting, I think all elderly people should see this show!!, it shows exactly what happens to you, I think people who haven’t lost their partners too, so they can see what will happen, to help them.”

Care worker John McBride was also impressed, saying, “I think carers should see this, because it makes you see the whole person, and what they are going through, with their emotions and their families.”

Care homes can consider a wide range of production companies via the carehome.co.uk Products Page, which is one of the most heavily visited pages on the site.