It’s important for seniors with dementia to engage their brains and continue to do activities that allow them to feel fulfilled, inspired and useful. One of the best ways to do that is through artistic and creative endeavors, says Reshma Nair, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, a memory care assisted living community in Andover, MA.
“Art and creative activities can help boost moods, improve hand-eye coordination, reduce agitation and increase self-esteem,” she says. “Plus, it’s just fun – we all can relate to that.”
Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover uses art therapy, crafts and other creative activities to improve quality of life for residents through all stages of dementia, says Reshma. “We take the time to get to know each resident personally and learn what sparks joy for them,” she says. “We use that knowledge to build specific care and activity programs that inspire them and help them feel happy and content. Above all, we respect residents’ abilities, value their opinions and encourage them to have an active voice in their daily care and activities. So if they like to sing? That’s what they do. Paint or sculpt? We make sure that’s available. It’s all about celebrating the person they are, not focusing on their disease.”
The Benefits of Art and Creative Hobbies
Art therapy has been a part of many different care plans for people of all ages, stages and abilities. That’s because art – or more specifically, the act of being creative – provides many physical, emotional and mental benefits.
“It may not seem important to stimulate the brains of those with dementia, but it’s actually more important than ever to do so,” says Reshma. “By continuing to use the abilities that remain, our residents are able to slow the progression of the disease as much as possible. They also gain a sense of self-worth because they’re able to successfully complete a task – which is so important when they’ve lost other abilities. Art, especially, gives permission to take risks, try new things and not worry about doing anything ‘wrong’ because there is no right or wrong way to be creative.”
Here are some additional benefits of art and creative hobbies for individuals with dementia.
It stimulates the brain and stirs memories.
While nothing can reverse the course of dementia, art therapy has been shown to help slow and sometimes halt – for a time – the progression of the disease. Completing artistic activities fire neurons in all different parts of the brain, giving those grey cells a good, strong workout. Studies have shown that art therapy activities can boost cognitive function for a time and enhance social interaction, communication and brain function for those with dementia. We’re not entirely sure why, but these activities can help stir memories. At Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, we’ve seen firsthand how activities like music therapy can cause our residents to become engaged in ways they haven’t been for years.
It helps reduce unwanted behaviors.
According to Ruth Drew, the director of family and information services for the Alzheimer’s Association®, art therapy is meant to create “good moments, good hours and good days.” This makes it an excellent tool to help quell unwanted behaviors such as agitation, wandering, aggression and other common side effects of dementia. These behaviors can often be triggered by boredom or an inability to express oneself. Art gives people the chance to express themselves and feel accomplished, which not only helps reduce unwanted behaviors, it leads to a higher quality of life for residents (and family and staff members, too).
It helps maintain physical abilities.
Dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease affect fine motor skills and other physical attributes. Activities like drawing, sketching or painting can help maintain dexterity and keep those fine motor skills active for as long as possible. It’s important to make sure that activities are geared to the individual’s specific abilities, but there are many different ways to adjust activities so that they’re “dementia friendly” (such as creating artwork with yarn and plastic grids instead of knitting, for example).
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Activities
If your loved one has dementia and you’re looking for beneficial activities to do with them, here are some tips for making an enjoyable, stress-free and fulfilling experience.
- Relate the activity to his or her life or interests. If your loved one was a musician, he or she might enjoy listening to a specific type of music, or banging on a drum or even singing along to piano music. A gardener may enjoy planting flowers in the yard. An excellent cook may enjoy working in the kitchen. It all depends on what you know your loved one enjoys.
- Avoid overstimulation. Be sure to hold the activity in a quiet place with few distractions. Turn off the TV or radio and try to not have too much out on the table. Try putting only what’s needed in front of your loved one (maybe even one tool at a time).
- Be encouraging and remember the importance of “showing, not telling.” Doing an activity together will help build memories and turn an activity into a meaningful moment together. You can narrate what you’re doing so your loved one can follow along. Be encouraging with their efforts. Remember, art is all about experimentation.
- Help when necessary, but don’t do it for them. It’s tempting to want to try and “do things” for your loved one when he or she isn’t able to do it “properly.” Avoid the urge. However, if there are things that you can assist with – such as threading yarn through a needle – a little help can go a long way.
- Choose activities that hit the “sweet spot” – not too easy, and not too hard. Just as you want to tailor your activities to your loved one’s interest, you’ll also want to tailor it to their abilities as well. If the activity is too challenging or complicated, it will only frustrate your loved one. If it’s too simple or childish, he or she may feel bored or insulted.
The important thing to remember is to have fun. Art is all about expression and joy, and when you use your imagination and give your loved one with dementia the opportunity, you’ll be amazed at the benefits … and results!
Exceptional Care. Engaging Lifestyle.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides specialized memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and welcoming. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused, engaging lifestyle that respects individual preferences, focuses on residents’ abilities and creates meaning in daily life.
Dedicated Memory Care.
Through every stage of memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with dignity.
Supportive, Purpose-Built Design.
Featuring a stunning residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched and families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features soft colors and lighting, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.
Contact us today to learn more.