How to Utilise Art Therapy for Dementia
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a technique for people living with dementia to express themselves in a meaningful way, especially if their communication skills are affected. Caregivers can utilise art therapy to help someone express their creativity, which can in some cases lead to reduced anxiety and frustration for people living with dementia.
Supporting someone to live well with dementia is why we began providing care to people in their own homes so many years ago. Since 1989 in fact, we’ve been delivering outstanding dementia care on both a visiting and live-in basis that ensures our customers get to follow their own routine, regardless of the severity of their condition. And because our care services are totally managed by us and fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales, our standards always remain at their highest.
What does Art Therapy Involve?
Art therapy is a meaningful activity, which Dementia UK tell us can include “a range of things from the usual tasks of daily life, such as, cooking, cleaning, gardening, self-care, through to activities which engage…”
Because dementia can cause people to withdraw into themselves and to become isolated from activities and interactions that they used to enjoy, providing meaningful activities can stimulate the emotions of enjoyment that were gained from those activities. If the activity was enjoyed when they were younger they may still have the ability to access those memories and have an understanding of what they used to do, but even if that isn’t the case, they may be able to ‘feel’ the positive emotional benefit and enjoy the process nonetheless. This can lead to various benefits.
Better quality of life
The person feels that they are being understood and treated as an individual, which in turn leads to less frustration and a lower likelihood of behaviour that can challenge
A sense of belonging
Dementia can isolate people from those around them, leading to loneliness and a disconnect from their surroundings. Meaningful activities can help to positively challenge that
Less apathy/signs of boredom
Falling asleep at inappropriate times or becoming easily distracted could suggest the person is struggling to remain engaged. Art therapy can help reengage them
Better relationships
Loved ones may struggle to manage if they aren’t sure how best to support the person, but by engaging in meaningful activities they all get a chance to socialise
The importance of having our needs met
While everyone has certain needs that should be met for them to live their best life, for someone living with dementia it can be even more important.
Dementia researcher Thomas Kitwood discovered that if a person living with dementia didn’t have all of their needs met, they would be less likely to live well, which in turn could lead to them displaying frustration, anger, and behaviour that challenges. It could also mean a deterioration of their physical and emotional wellbeing.
What are the Health Benefits for Someone Living with Dementia?
Communicate their feelings
Being able to express themselves may help them to rediscover their sense of belonging, or they may feel they have a purpose again and control over their own life
Reduce isolation
By discovering what the person always used to enjoy it may be possible to ignite their passion for that activity again, leading to a sense of attachment and inclusion
Less frustration
Through expression, the person may feel less 'trapped' and frustrated by their situation, leading to lower levels of stress and anxiety
Stronger relationships
It's imperative to step into the shoes of someone living with dementia and try to see the world through their eyes. Better understanding can improve relationships
Closer connections
There's nothing better than sharing an experience to foster a better level of understanding and attachment between loved ones.
Live their best life
By trying to better understand their dementia, family members and carers will ensure the best quality of life for the person
How Helping Hands can help with Dementia Care
Helping Hands offer superlative care that has been proven over more than 30 years. Industry leaders in both visiting care and live-in care, we deliver support in our customers’ own homes that empowers them to live as well as possible, regardless of the condition they’re living with.
We’ve grown to encompass 150 local branches across England and Wales, all managed by us and offering value for money home care that keeps people living in their own homes for as long as they wish to. Unlike other care companies we don’t sell franchises – all of our care is managed and delivered by us, and our carers are employed directly and assessed in-house. All of which means you get exceptional care designed around your needs and managed locally by a dedicated team in your area. What’s not to love?