Nursing assistants (NAs) provide most direct care for long term care (LTC) residents, greatly impacting resident wellbeing, yet are often seen as “unskilled” labor. Our study explores how arts-based caregiving techniques may improve resident quality of life and NA empowerment. We present content analysis of focus group data from NAs in two LTC facilities (n = 12). Initially, NAs related creativity to being “artistic,” not to caregiving. Yet they then described engaging residents in creative activities (singing, dancing, storytelling) to build relationships and reduce challenging behavior. While most frequently linked with discerning and responding to resident needs, creativity was also foundational to time management, teamwork and navigating challenges. Many reported learning creative approaches by watching experienced NAs and that, while appreciated by family members, these skills are often unrecognized by professional staff. Developing NA-centered interventions to promote creative caregiving may enhance both person-centered LTC and NA empowerment, improving resident care.
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