For people with dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease, it becomes increasingly difficult to communicate in the traditional sense – something that’s both sad and frustrating for the individuals and their loved ones. That’s where art therapy can play a huge role in forming connections and building meaningful moments. Art has throughout history been a way to communicate without words, making it a perfect tool for seniors with dementia to share their feelings, emotions and thoughts.
“We see every day how art therapy can help our residents express their emotions in a healthy, positive way,” says Brittney Jones, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham. “It can be an outlet for confusion or frustration, or simply be a way to express the joy they’re feeling at that particular moment. Although they may not be able to or not want to talk, art gives them a channel and can even provide them with the support and calm they need to have moments of clarity.”
Creating art engages parts of our brain that are affected in different ways by dementia than the neurocenters we use for language. According to experts, that’s why art can be such a powerful tool for expression, particularly if dementia is localized on the left side of the brain. The left side of our brains is responsible for logic and more executive functions like language, while the right side of our brain is focused more on creativity and imagination. Some experts believe that when dementia patients lose their language ability, their right side of the brain becomes uninhibited by the left and allows creativity to be unleashed.
Art therapy has more benefits than communication. Structured programs in memory care communities like Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham are designed to help residents be engaged, feel supported and gain confidence, no matter what level of artistic talent they have. “Everyone wants to live a fulfilled and happy life, and art therapy can play a part in helping our memory care residents achieve that,” says Brittney. “When residents feel heard and successful, they have better days overall, which causes them to experience positivity, lessens their risk of depression and helps them live genuinely happy lives.”
The Many Ways Art Therapy Can Benefit Those with Dementia
It inspires connections. While dementia makes it difficult to communicate in the traditional sense, art gives seniors an opportunity to engage with their emotions and with others. It can be a great opportunity to help rekindle friendships, deepen relationships and even make new friends.
It fosters a sense of control and accomplishment. Dementia causes individuals to lose control over so many aspects of their life – but art therapy allows them to have control over what they create. Even something as small as that can inspire confidence that can be built upon. Art of any sort is something that encourages “continuous improvement” (just ask any musician or writer), so it’s something people with dementia can continue to try and improve, even while everything else seems to diminish around them. By providing opportunities for individuals to succeed in a caring, nurturing environment, this increases well-being and self-confidence.
It helps soothe and relax. The world can be a scary, stressful and frustrating place for people with dementia. The simple art of creating something can help reduce stress, provide comfort and help people feel a little less alone. By concentrating on creating artwork, dementia residents are able to focus and let go of their fears, giving them permission to be present in the moment.
It can improve cognitive function. Studies have shown that art therapy activities can help boost cognitive function in certain areas of the brain, which can help stimulate memories and improve ability. Therapy including music has shown incredible results – by playing meaningful music, some individuals with dementia have been able to speak and interact with loved ones for the first time in years.
Different Types of Art Therapy.
Painting is just one form of art therapy. Depending on your loved one’s ability, you can choose from a variety of different activities to find ones that provide the most meaning and enjoyment for them. Here are just some ideas to help you get started.
Creating. This can be everything from painting a canvas to making yarn art to even coloring in a coloring book. You may want to do the activity along with your loved one so he or she can see what you’re doing and mimic your motions until they get the hang of it. Whatever activity you pick, remember to be positive and allow for creative interpretation. Your loved one may start slow, but it’s important to give them the space they need to find the rhythm and create at their own pace. There’s no right or wrong way to make art – encourage and praise them however they choose to interpret “creating!”
Observing. Experiencing art can be as meaningful as creating. Take your loved one to a museum, performance or even a beautifully planted garden. Let them see, listen and enjoy the art being created and revel in the atmosphere. If you’re in a museum, have your loved one point out the pieces of art they like the most and have them describe to you what draws them to it.
Discussing. It’s said that art is a continuous creation. It’s created when the artist puts paint to canvas, and then continued to be created as people view it, interpret it and enjoy it. Have discussions with your loved one about art they’ve seen, experienced or created. You could play a piece of classical music and have a discussion about what each of you are feeling while listening to it. After he or she has created a piece of art, encourage them to discuss why they created what they did and what it makes them feel. By doing this, you may be able to help unearth emotions they’re having difficulty processing or reveal memories that have been long forgotten.
Tips for Successful Art Therapy.
Keep the project on an adult level. While you don’t want to make an activity too challenging, you also want to make sure that it doesn’t come across as childlike.
Help when necessary and then go hands-off. You can assist your loved one with starting the activity so that he or she gets the hang of it. However, you should only choose art projects that require simple instruction and minimal assistance in order to provide your loved one with the best experience.
Use safe materials. Only use non-toxic paints and materials, and avoid using anything sharp that could cause injuries.
Give your loved one plenty of time. There’s no need to finish a project in one sitting.
Exceptional Care. Fulfilling Lifestyle.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham provides assisted living and memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Dedicated Memory Care
No matter what level of care or service is needed, residents and families can rest assured that our programs address the various stages of memory decline, allowing residents the opportunity to age in place.
Personalized Services
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham, our services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for every resident through all stages of memory loss.
Contact us today to learn more.