In the world of senior care, the mental and emotional health of seniors is too often overshadowed by the physical challenges of aging. But in recent years, those in the senior care community have sought to broaden the focus of senior care to account for the overall well-being of seniors. One result of these efforts has been the rise of art therapy for seniors in care. For those of us who care for seniors and support the elderly in our communities, art therapy has become an indispensable tool in reducing stress, improving emotional well-being, and managing disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care
If you’re a senior (or someone who cares for one), here’s what you should know about art therapy for seniors:
What Is Art Therapy? Art Therapy for Seniors
Art therapy is a wide-ranging term the covers an array of therapeutic activities. Most often, art therapy harnesses the power of artistic expression to spark creativity, relieve tension and stress, and encourage cognitive function. Some popular forms of art therapy for seniors include: Art Therapy for Seniors
- Dance
- Painting and drawing
- Sculpture
- Needlework
- Music therapy
Art therapy for seniors can be performed one-on-one, but is popularly performed as part of a larger group or class. Therapy sessions can be performed in the comfort of home, in a senior center, or even outdoors.
Benefits to Art Therapy
Art therapy first attracted attention in the senior care community as a therapy method for managing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Studies have shown that art therapy encourages cognitive function and slows memory decline in those suffering from dementia. More importantly, this form of therapy is effective in limiting stress, agitation, and aggression in those suffering from memory disorders. It’s also one of the few forms of therapy that remains effective even into the later stages of dementia. Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care
But with all of the added attention, art therapy has moved beyond the treatment of dementia and other memory disorders. Studies have shown that art therapy’s benefits extend to the majority of seniors, no matter their risk of dementia. As a result, senior centers, professional caregivers, and independent seniors have increasingly begun to rely on art therapy. Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care
Some of the benefits of different types of art therapy for seniors include: Art Therapy for Seniors
- Helping seniors cope with stress, trauma, or depression
- Improving seniors’ moods and mindfulness
- Encouraging cognitive engagement and creative thought
- Reduced inflammation and joint stiffness
Incorporating Art into Senior Care
If you think that you or a senior in your life could benefit from art therapy, it’s easy to look up art therapy opportunities in your area. Consider checking out local community centers and senior centers in your area, which often hold group art therapy sessions or classes that offer many of the same benefits as art therapy. You can also look up local art therapists through the American Art Therapy Association.
If you prefer to do things on your own, you can bring many of the benefits of art therapy into your home all by yourself. Whether you enjoy learning new dance moves, love listening to music, or have always wanted to try your hand at painting, bringing art into your life can be a great boost to your mental and emotional wellbeing.
At Visiting Angels, our home care providers can help you or a loved one make art a part of senior care. Contact your local office today to learn more. Art Therapy for Elders in Senior Care