Expectations and experiences of cultural activity among professionals in care for older people

The employment of cultural activity within the Swedish care of older people started years ago to prevent illness and social isolation and to promote good health and wellbeing. Based on 23 interviews with local politicians and professionals working with and within care for older people and ten observations performed in care homes, day care centres and public social clubs, the present study describes and analyses experiences from cultural activity as part of the daily care and social work in one Swedish region. On the one hand, the results show that cultural activity promotes a ‘normal daily life’ for older people as well as a more democratic relationship between the caretaker and the caregiver, but on the other hand, that the respect of the liberated self and of cultural relativism form deep and non-negotiable obstacles to the employment of cultural activity in Swedish care for older people. Finally, it comes down to the old person to decide whether or not cultural activity will be part of their daily life and care