Partners in Arts Participation

50% of target population did attend one or more of the drum circles, despite the flu epidemic. Participants said thank you numerous times; most or all noted feeling good or better at end of each circle, articulated an increased sense of togetherness and community after circles, wanted to stay and talk together after circles, began to gather before circles. Evaluation methods included asking each part. How they felt at end of each circle, having them notice how they felt during the circle, doing the same physical warm-up at beginning and end of circle so parts could notice physical differences, Rachel meeting with activities director after most circles to discuss individual responses and best approaches to connect with attendees, noting memory care benefits. A final circle group open to family, friends and staff of Ecumen to have community know what we'd been up to. During the series of circles, employees would stop, smile, and dance along with us a bit as they passed our circle. We have already applied for funding to continue the circles next year with Rachel. Blaine Gamst, Executive Director of Ecumen Scenic Shores in interested in increasing the circle participation to include Health Care residents and employees. 2: Our goals going into this project were to have at least 50% of our population involved in circles over the residency, to find noticeable improvements in the feeling of community and teamwork in our building, and to see an improvement in residents who are challenged with memory issues. As noted above, the feelings of community extended beyond the circle and into our employees. Rachel and Michelle noted many instances of memory care patients being more with it after circles, tracking on conversations better or engaging with others, and improving their moods, with greater ability to communicate and remember among dementia folks during and after the circles. We also noted participants using the drumming percussion discussion to work out feelings around loss and life changes. Even though some weren't excited to go before circles, after the circle everyone's mood seemed better. The artistic goals of ensemble fit well with our goal of community building.