Nothing can replace face-to-face, in-person arts and cultural programs for Baycrest residents and patients, but virtual options necessitated during the pandemic are a way to reach more people who cannot physically be in the same place at the same time.

“Being able to stream a live concert or make a recorded version available for viewing any time on an iPad or smart TV allows us to increase our reach, particularly while limitations exist on gatherings, or to connect with residents who are in isolation,” explains Robert McMahon, manager of Baycrest’s Culture & Arts Department.

Adapting to people’s abilities and responding to what they want to do has guided the activities offered by the Culture & Arts team since large group programs had to be cancelled. In addition to virtual programs, they have been visiting floors providing one-to-one and small group programming as permitted.

A digital media specialist was recently recruited to develop and facilitate access to music and arts programming. The position is a first for the Culture & Arts team and was generously funded by a donor.

By working closely with staff on Baycrest Hospital units and floors in the Apotex Centre, the Culture & Arts team engages patients and residents in music and music therapy, art and creative arts, Jewish culture and recreational activities to help improve their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being.

A new innovation launched this year is the Sharing Dance Older Adults app, created in partnership with Canada’s National Ballet School. “With this app, we have the opportunity to support the abilities of people living with dementia to feel empowered and expressive through dance,” says Arts in Health Project Coordinator Emily Sitter. Pre-recorded dance classes can be used in a therapeutic program and adapted for individual needs. In collaboration with Baycrest’s KL-CARE, the team’s current endeavour is a Public Health Agency of Canada-funded project aimed to challenge dementia-related stigma through dance.