When a family member has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, art can be therapeutic for them. Even if they aren’t particularly “artistic,” art makes a helpful addition to any dementia care plan. Here, learn how craft projects benefit seniors and help them feel more fulfilled. 

How Art Therapy Helps Seniors With Dementia

1. Stimulates the Brain

Painting, drawing, sculpting, and all other art techniques help dementia patients express themselves creatively. This allows those with lowered verbal capabilities to enjoy an emotional outlet instead of feeling trapped in their own minds.

Research finds that while the brain section responsible for verbal communication may deteriorate in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, the visual part still flourishes. Those with cognitive issues may subsequently enjoy creative periods that slow brain function loss because the organ is actively engaged.

2. Promotes Happiness

Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients often experience depression and anxiety. Art therapy as part of dementia care can promote feelings of joy to fight these symptoms.

When individuals focus on their art, be it alone or with friends and loved ones, they get a reprieve from sadness or disengagement. A person making art is living in the present. The senior will likely enjoy the satisfaction of continuing a project or starting a new one.

3. Encourages Communication

Many dementia patients feel proud of their finished works and want to talk about what they created. Even if their verbal abilities have diminished, they may show a photograph from years ago that inspired their piece or point to a group of flowers or birds that they recreated on canvas or paper. This will help them better communicate with family, friends, and caregivers. 

Beehive Homes of Kalispell provides artistic activities as part of their dementia care work to help their residents thrive. Based in Kalispell, MT, this senior living community has a compassionate staff that’s ready to assist residents 24 hours a day. They also offer nutritious meals and housekeeping services. Call (406) 871-8667 today to schedule a tour of the facility or find out more about what they provide online.