Role Of Creativity In Social Care

The definition of creativity can be defined as any process using imaginative or original ideas to problem solve. However Ken Robinson gives a definition of creativity that suggests “being creative involves doing something. People are not creative in the abstract; they are creative in something [music, sports, engineering business] in whatever, you cannot be creative unless you are actually doing something” (Robison 2011) Robison believes that only when we put imaginative ideas into action are we being creative. Gardener (1993) cited in (Lyons 2010) breaks creativity into two categories, the big c, and the little c. Big c stands for the relatively rare big creative ideas, such as the idea to create the first smart phone or the painting of

Social care workers work with a broad range of groups children, young people, people with disabilities and people of all ages, who have special ‘needs’ or vulnerabilities. Social care workers (SCW) are tasked with meeting the physical, social and emotional needs of the services users. According to Lyons (2010) One practice that is increasingly being utilized to meet these needs are creative arts, such as dance, music, drama, painting etc., This has shown to be useful in a number of aspects; such as helping the SCW to build a positive relationships with the service user, improve cognitive ability and brain development, improve physical mobility, it can also be used as a form of emotional expression and communication or can simply be utilized as fun and relaxing

As people move into later life most go through some process of social disengagement. This can come about through forced retirement, families moving away, long term partners passing away or from old age stereotyping within their communities. These changes can lead to the older people feeling isolated and lonely and of little use. (Gross 2009) Creativity and the arts can be used to combat some of the negative side effects associated with the ageing process. For example joining a local arts or dance group has been shown to help older people with feelings of loneliness and isolation as it encourages socialisation and relationship building within their community. Dance group for people of older age also help to improve and maintain physical health. Furthermore creative arts can also improve mental health, Bagan (2015) states that “Current studies in the fields of art therapy, music therapy, and other creative modalities confirm that art can affect individuals in positive ways by inducing both psychological and physiological healing.” Bagan states that incorporating expressive arts into older people’s routine helps to improve cognitive ability particularly for people who may be suffering from alzhimers or dementia. Ibid (2015) also states that studies have shown art can reduce depression and anxiety associated with these