1. ARTS – “Sensory Art” (Visual Art)
Co-developed by Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and National Arts Council (NAC), “Sensory Art” explores art making from an occupational therapy perspective.
Research has shown that sensory art activities are effective in engaging Community Care clients and enhancing social interaction.
Community Care staff will be equipped with knowledge of how art-making can stimulate the senses (through the art material, textures, sounds produced, hand movements and visual stimulation). They will also get hands-on practice and tips on how to adapt the activities for their clients.
Staff will receive the following resources as part of their training:
• Basic Training – Discover the activities!
• Step-by-Step Activity Toolkit
2. ARTS – “Everyday Waltzes for Active Ageing” (Creative Movement)
“Everyday Waltzes for Active Ageing” adapts everyday actions into creative movement to enhance clients’ mobility, sensory experience and imagination. It aims to facilitate social interaction and mind-body connection to improve wellbeing.
Community Care staff will be equipped with facilitation skills and content to run this creative movement activity. Find out more information about this activity by viewing
this video.
Staff will receive the following resources as part of their training:
• Basic Training – Discover the activities!
• Coaching – Showcase what you’ve learnt!
• Step-by-Step facilitation manual, Instructional videos and specially composed music
3. PHYSICAL LEISURE – “Tai Chi for Health”
Tai Chi assists clients to improve their physical fitness, joint and muscle strength. It also helps with their range of motion and posture, relieving pain, promoting concentration and providing relaxation. Developed by an Australia-based physician and Tai Chi practitioner, this activity has been implemented in a range of healthcare organisations in Australia, USA, South Korea and the United Kingdom. It has received favourable mention in the USA by the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention and the Administration on Ageing as an exercise that can prevent falls and as a good evidence-based activity for promoting health and wellness for older adults. Sessions are led by an experienced Tai Chi Master Trainer.
Community Care staff will be equipped with knowledge about how Tai Chi can positively impact health and learn through hands-on practice on how to facilitate the Tai Chi movements.
Staff will receive the following resources as part of their training:
• Basic Training – Discover the activities!
• Coaching – Showcase what you’ve learnt!
• Step-by-Step Tai Chi Manual, Tai Chi Warm-Up and Tai Chi Steps Guide as well as training videos
Participants who complete the training will receive a Tai Chi trainer certification that is valid for two years. This certification is renewable.
4. PHYSICAL LEISURE - “Social and Therapeutic Horticulture”
Gardening-related activities can help improve muscle strength and fine motor skills, stimulate senses through textures, tastes and smells, and offer opportunities for socialising and learning of new skills. The content for the toolkit was developed in collaboration with AIC by students from Nanyang Polytechnic’s (NYP) School of Health Sciences’ Occupational Therapy programme.
Community Care staff will be equipped with knowledge on gardening and how to meaningfully facilitate gardening-related activities with their clients. The workshops are conducted by gardening experts and an Occupational Therapist.
Staff will receive the following resources as part of their training:
• Basic Training – Discover the activities!
• Step-by-Step Activity Toolkit
5. MUSIC – “Rhythm Wellness” (Drumming)
“Rhythm Wellness” is an expressive, stimulating drumming activity for clients to promote coordination and focus, enhance their muscle strength, and enables communication and teamwork through different exercises.
Community Care staff will be equipped with knowledge on drumming, and how to meaningfully facilitate the programme with clients.
Staff will receive the following resources as part of their training:
• Basic Training – Discover the activities!
• Facilitation Guidebook, programme notes and instructional videos
AIC and the National Arts Council commissioned a professional drumming organisation to develop this training course for the Community Care sector. The programme will be conducted by an experienced teaching artist who has facilitated many drumming circles.
