Sprout by HP amplifies the voices and imagination of elders
Dr . Erin Partridge , researcher , author , artist and board-certified art therapist with Elder Care Alliance , California , recently concluded research on the evolving needs of the older adult population . Dr . Partridge investigated communication needs and experiences of elders to help support patient-directed elder care in light of a growing population with Alzheimer ’ s and memory challenges .
Dr . Partridge integrated Sprout by HP into four elder care communities to research effective forms of communication through individual and group art projects . Technology provided accessibility for minimally verbal and nonverbal elders to communicate , interact , and participate in their own care and community while creating a positive experience and enriched quality of life .
Partridge integrated the Sprout computers to provide elders with easy-to-use computer images to initiate dialog and communicate in non-verbal ways through markings generated with the simple touch of a finger on Sprout ’ s touch mat . Individual and group art-based projects provided significant engagement in the elder care setting .
Sprout provided opportunities for elders to create images that could express their ideas , help them communicate , and nonverbally respond to questions with through art and drawing .
Elders were asked to work at a Sprout computer and pose a jointed human figure . This simple outline of a human body was used so participants could use a figure to represent themselves and another figure to represent someone they communicate with . Participants made additional marks with a simple finger movement on the touch mat to add observations or comments . A strong majority — 85 percent — depicted two figures facing each other and 11 percent depicted the figures facing the same
Sprout by HP helps an elderly patient to use art to illustrate their strengths as well as express concerns and voice their needs
direction . The participants described posture , whether upright , bent over or seated .
Many participants put a lot of thought into the color choice . Some described the feeling they wanted to represent and then selected a color accordingly . A memory care resident described the reasoning for choosing blue : “ Bright blue — we ’ ve all got the blues .” In this case , the color illustrated emotion and life satisfaction .
A way to share emotions and concerns
Use of the Sprout by HP with elders helps forge a connection between older adults and new technology .
Sprout provided elders , including those with dementia , with an accessible means to share experiences and ideas in art and words .
The ability to provide visual responses helped participants communicate emotions and concerns . One man visually described his biggest fear as falling and needing a higher level of care . He had a previous experience falling on the sidewalk and called out for help . He knew falling was a big warning sign and now he feared another fall that could require him to go to a care center .
Creating a deeper understanding
The research yielded rich responses from the senior communities . The elders used the art to illustrate their strengths as well as express concerns and voice their needs . The technology helped remove barriers . One participant commented , “ What is interesting about this process is you learn more about yourself that you ever thought you would .” Elders were able to self-evaluate and self-reflect .
Input from the elders helped generate new ideas for future art projects and activities . Visiting family and friends can engage in an activity together and at the same time , create new memories and keepsakes from a positive experience .
Art therapists have an ability to facilitate opportunities for all elders to participate in conversation . Art activities at elder communities can help enhance the daily sense of friendship and create new experiences that encourage and confirm a positive quality of life experience .
As one staff participant explained , we can learn a lot from elders just from listening . The stories they tell , the advice they give , everything they say — it always comes from the heart .
Dr . Partridge concluded that to learn anything from elders , we must slow down , listen , and allow the voice of the elders to communicate . And today , that ‘ voice ’ may be heard in newly expressive ways . •
Issue 5 · Winter 2016 · Innovation Journal 27