Art therapy in hospices

Art therapy can be a transformative part of palliative and end-of-life care for someon. Art therapists can help people find meaning, connect with loved ones, and express what they’re experiencing—especially when words fall short.

Why art therapy belongs in hospice care – our four messages

Hospices are facing increasing pressure and challenges: financial pressure on services, staff burnout, increase in demand, moving care into the community and responding to the ‘Assisted Dying Bill’.

We want to show how art therapy can support hospices in facing some of these challenges, while offering compassionate care and psychological support.

1. When words are not enough

Art therapists can enable service users and their families to explore and express what they may not be able to say in words — about their legacy, identity, grief and meaning.

This could be including:

  • at the end of life
  • when living with a life-limiting illness
  • during a diagnosis process
  • with bereavement

2. Alleviating distress and suffering

Research suggests many people can find art therapy helpful when approaching the end of life. People have reported decreased distress or increased wellbeing after an art therapy session.

3. Meeting people where they are

Art therapy can be flexible, mobile and adaptable. It can be delivered:

  • at the bedside
  • in outpatient groups
  • in the community or at home
  • online

Art therapists can also tailor sessions for people with physical limitations and fatigue, cognitive or sensory impairments.

4. Supporting staff to reduce burnout

A recent randomised controlled trial found providing a group art therapy intervention for clinical staff in acute hospital settings significantly reduced emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, stress, anxiety and depression.

Resources for hospices

As part of the launch, we are providing members and allies with resources to advocate for art therapy in hospices, including case studies and practical examples to share with colleagues, managers, and decision-makers.

Download briefing for hospice leaders (PDF)

Download examples in practice (PDF)

Take action

📢 Join our campaign on social media 
Are you already an advocate for art therapy in palliative care? Show your support during art therapy in hospices week, 22-28 September.

Download the campaign deck (PDF)

Download social media toolkit (PDF)