Why the Creative Care Club Matters: A Mission to Support & Empower Those Bringing Creativity to Dementia Care

At MIYA Creative Care, we know how deeply recreation therapists care. Every day, you bring joy, creativity, and connection to the residents you serve. But with so much on your plate, planning meaningful, engaging programs—especially ones that integrate the creative arts—can feel overwhelming.

Over the years, we’ve heard from recreation teams across Ontario: “We want to use more creative arts in our work—but we need support, tools, and confidence to do it well.”

That’s exactly why we created the Creative Care Club.

Meeting Recreation Teams Where They’re At

Recreation teams are the heartbeat of care environments. You’re not just filling schedules—you’re creating moments of meaning. Yet the demands on your role can be intense. Recreation professionals often share high levels of stress and burnout in long-term care settings, often citing limited resources, high resident-to-staff ratios, and pressure to constantly create fresh, engaging programs with very little time to plan.

We hear you. We see you. And we want to help!

The Creative Care Club was born from this very need: to give you a partner in creativity. A hub of expert-designed resources that ease the planning burden, build your confidence, and remind you that you’re not doing this alone.

Why the Creative Arts Matter in Dementia Care

The creative arts—music, visual art, dance, and storytelling—aren’t just “nice activities.” They’re powerful, evidence-based tools that can transform care.

• Music: Studies show that music activates parts of the brain linked to memory and emotion, even in advanced dementia. Familiar songs can reduce agitation, spark conversation, and help residents feel grounded in themselves.

• Art: Visual art activities foster self-expression and help maintain identity. They provide residents with an outlet for emotions that may be hard to put into words. Research has found that art programs can reduce depression and support dignity in dementia care.

• Movement: Dance and movement can improve mobility, foster social bonding, and spark joy through rhythm and physical expression. Even small gestures—clapping, swaying, tapping a scarf—can reconnect body and mind.

• Storytelling: Through reminiscence and creativity, storytelling connects people to their histories and to each other, creating a sense of belonging.

At MIYA Creative Care, we’ve seen all of this come alive with our creative arts therapies offerings. 

These aren’t just “programs.” They are lifelines of dignity, connection, and joy.

What the Creative Care Club Offers

Every month, members receive:

• 4 ready-to-go program plans across music, art, movement, storytelling, and more—complete with supply lists, scripts, adaptations, and goals.

• Step-by-step instructional videos from our therapists, offering tips and techniques for successful facilitation.

• A skill-building presentation to expand your creative toolbox.

• A 1:1 Creative Connection Guide to help spark spontaneous, meaningful engagement outside of scheduled programs.

• Access to our online community where you can connect with peers and Creative Care experts for inspiration and support.

For teams who want more personalized support, our Silver tier also includes:

• A custom-designed program plan each month tailored to your residents’ traditions, interests, or cultural backgrounds.

• A quarterly Creative Care Kit delivered right to your door with professional-quality instruments, art supplies, and sensory props.

• A monthly 30-minute consultation with one of our therapists—whether it’s training, staff wellness sessions, or resident-specific strategies.

Why It Matters

The Creative Care Club isn’t about “filling time.” It’s about empowerment. It’s about giving recreation teams the tools to feel confident, supported, and inspired as they lead programs that honor dignity, spark joy, and foster real connection.

Because we know that when residents engage in creative arts, something powerful happens:

• Connection deepens—residents connect with each other, with staff, with families, and with their own sense of self.

• Confidence grows—both in residents who discover new ways to express themselves, and in staff who feel equipped and supported.

• Moments of meaning emerge—the kind of moments that remind us why this work matters.

We believe recreation professionals should not have to carry the weight of program planning alone. With the Creative Care Club, you’ll have resources that are fresh, evidence-informed, and ready to use—so you can spend less time at your desk, and more time where you’re needed most: with your residents.

A Vision for the Future

Our vision is simple: to build a future where every recreation professional feels supported, empowered, and valued. A future where creativity isn’t an afterthought, but a cornerstone of dementia care.

We believe the Creative Care Club can be part of that future. A place where you can feel inspired, connected, and reminded that your work matters—not just to your residents, but to all of us who believe in the healing power of creativity.

Because in the end, it’s not just about programs. It’s about people. It’s about honoring lives, celebrating stories, and creating moments that last.

And that’s why the Creative Care Club matters.