Embracing Creative Engagement in Senior Care in Calgary

Senior care in Calgary is changing. Families today want more than just physical assistance — they seek care that nurtures the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. One of the fastest-growing and most impactful trends in 2025 is the use of creative engagement in home care.

Why Senior Care in Calgary is Evolving

Longer Lifespans and Rising Dementia Cases

With more Canadians living longer, families are managing dementia support in Calgary more frequently. There’s a growing recognition that seniors need more than just “routine support.”

The Need for Whole-Person Care

Caregivers and researchers agree: seniors thrive when offered opportunities for joy, connection, and expression. As Aruga’s founder, Ali Cada, has shown in his academic work:

“Engaging in the arts can profoundly impact seniors’ well-being and enhance their quality of life by promoting autonomy and dignity, encouraging choices, and helping showcase their creative potential.”

What Creative Engagement Looks Like

Creative engagement is not just an activity — it’s a therapeutic approach that transforms care. At Aruga, we’ve integrated evidence-based programs such as:

Visual Arts Programs

• Opening Minds through Arts (OMA): A structured program where seniors express themselves through visual art, often sparking confidence and creativity.

  
  

Music & Memory

• Music & Memory: Using music tied to personal memories to improve mood, recall, and engagement.

  
  

Storytelling & Improv

• TimeSlips & Improvisation: Encouraging imaginative storytelling that builds connection and reduces stress.

  
  

Poetry & Storytelling Sessions

• Providing meaningful avenues for self-expression and memory sharing.

  
  

Daily Life-Enrichment Activities

From gardening to cooking to cultural outings — these activities keep seniors connected to community and joy. They often overlap with Housekeeping Services, ensuring seniors stay engaged in the rhythms of daily living.

How Creative Engagement Benefits Seniors

Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being

Families often notice profound changes when creative engagement becomes part of care. Benefits include:

• Increased cognitive stimulation and memory recall

• Reduced stress and anxiety

  
  

Confidence, Connection, and Purpose

Creative engagement fosters:

• Improved self-esteem and confidence

• Greater emotional connection with caregivers and family

• Renewed sense of purpose and joy in daily life

  
  

Learn more about our Daily Living Assistance Services.

Creative Engagement Benefits for Caregivers Too

Ali Cada’s research highlights how arts-based approaches support caregivers as well:

“Caregivers who participate in creative activities view dementia as lighter and less visible. They report increased self-confidence, better coping mechanisms, and relief from the stress of caregiving.”

This means creative engagement has a double benefit — enriching seniors’ lives while also sustaining caregiver well-being.

Learn more about our Respite Services for caregivers.

Why Aruga Leads in Calgary

Our Philosophy

Creative engagement is at the heart of Aruga’s philosophy. Our caregivers are trained to integrate art, music, storytelling, and meaningful activities into care — not as “extras,” but as essential tools for well-being.

Training and Research-Based Approach

For families in Calgary, this means seniors don’t just receive help with daily tasks. They also receive opportunities to connect, discover, and live fully.

Our full range of services includes:

• Daily Living Assistance

• Companion Care

• Housekeeping Services

• Creative Engagement

• Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care

• Respite Care for Caregivers

  
  

Bringing More Joy, Resilience, and Dignity to Home Care

The future of senior care is about more than living longer — it’s about living better. Creative engagement is one of the most promising ways to achieve that goal.

Aruga is proud to lead the way in Calgary, offering compassionate care rooted in both research and innovation. Together, we can help seniors and their families find more joy, resilience, and dignity in the care journey.

The Importance of Connection and Community

In our journey together, we recognize the importance of connection. Seniors thrive when they feel part of a community. Engaging in creative activities fosters relationships and builds a sense of belonging.

Building Relationships Through Creative Engagement

When seniors participate in creative engagement, they often form bonds with caregivers and fellow participants. This connection can lead to:

• Increased happiness

• A sense of belonging

• Enhanced emotional health

  
  

The Role of Family in Creative Engagement

Family involvement is crucial. When families engage in creative activities with their loved ones, it strengthens relationships and creates cherished memories.

Conclusion: A New Era of Care

As we look to the future, we see a new era of care emerging. One that values creativity, connection, and compassion. At Aruga, we are committed to redefining senior care in Calgary.

Looking for compassionate, creative home care in Calgary? Contact Aruga today to learn how we can support your family. Together, we can create a brighter future for seniors, filled with joy and meaningful connections.