Partners in Arts Participation

We had 100% success overcoming financial barriers by using Partners in Arts Participation funding to make all of our events free to our residents, including transportation. This was measured via surveys which frequently noted that without the grant, finances, including transportation, would limit the older adults from participating. Social barriers were also overcome measured via survey results which told us that our older adults "would not have done this alone, felt they made a contribution to the group, made new friends or strengthened friendships, and found new ways to be creative" as a result of their experiences. Physical barriers were overcome by having a handicap accessible vehicle, which most of the older adults used, and by having nursing staff attend whenever needed to assist with restrooms and transfers from wheelchairs to theater seats. This was measured by the 100% success in all residents who wished to participate being able to regardless of physical ailments. Physical, social and financial barriers were identified by our older adults prior to submitting the grant application. Concerns were voiced about being nervous to try new things and intimidated by social stigmas relating to hearing or vision loss and on occasion cognition concerns. Thru our surveys we noted that the predominant concerns regarding participating in the future were financial and transportation. The results of our surveys show that barriers were temporarily mitigated when evaluated in the context of "free, transportation provided and knowing they would be going with friends and staff." In the final results you will see that these barriers were overcome with the overall majority of participants stating that they made new friends, contributed to the group, would participate again if it were available and would try new experiences if they were available and that they would not be able to participate in the future without grant funding.