Background <p>Addiction and violence issues in residential care facilities pose significant health risks for residents. Addiction and violence are often closely linked. Preventive and health-promoting approaches offer potential for effectively addressing both problems.</p> Objective <p>The aim of the “Prävention <i>Kreativ</i>!” (Creative prevention!) project was to promote the health of older people in residential care facilities using an innovative approach to addiction and violence prevention. To this end, complementary socio-artistic and mentally oriented group activities were developed, tested and their effectiveness examined.</p> Methods <p>The article presents the results of the accompanying evaluation in four nursing homes. The study is based on a&#xa0;mixed methods design with participant observation, (partially) standardized surveys, interviews and focus groups.</p> Results <p>The results show positive effects in several prevention-related dimensions, most pronounced in the dimensions of well-being and group feeling/togetherness, followed by the dimensions of mental activity and physical activity. The programs developed promote resilience as an overarching goal of addiction and violence prevention.</p> Conclusion <p>It is evident that mentally oriented and socio-artistic programs have complementary effects and together strengthen protective factors against addiction and violence. The results underscore the relevance of resource-oriented prevention approaches that holistically promote emotional stability, social belonging and cognitive and physical activation.</p>