As colder weather and shorter days greet Allentown and the greater Lehigh Valley, PA, opportunities for outdoor activities diminish and moods can change. At the South Mountain Memory Care community, our residents have ample opportunities to enjoy the beautiful campus and surrounding community. As autumn and winter conditions nudge people indoors, South Mountain Memory Care residents are treated to a wide range of activities tailored to their personal needs and abilities, including arts and crafts. These are especially popular and focused during the holidays!
While arts and crafts may seem like simplistic busy work, there are at least six benefits of involving dementia patients in arts and crafts activities.
Six benefits of arts and crafts for people living with dementia
There is no cure for dementia, but that doesn’t mean residents cannot enjoy a good quality of life. Artistic endeavors such as painting, coloring, and listening to music can benefit the participants physically and emotionally. They are not “just time wasters.”
Brain stimulation
A no-pressure art project can be a relaxing, fun way to stimulate the brain. Artistic activity enhances parts of the brain responsible for communication and social interaction, among others.
Communication
There is something deep about artistic expression. Even a person who has little ability or no inclination to speak can express himself or herself by using their imagination. Sometimes, withdrawn people smile or speak or laugh with enjoyment when they feel freedom of expression. This can break a spell of loneliness or voluntary isolation.
Connection
When artistic endeavours are shared, new social connections can be formed and old ones strengthened. Shared experiences can break down walls and build trust.
Emotional and behavioral benefits
Music has a direct effect on our minds and behavior. “Musical memories” have been shown to linger as dementia robs the brain of other memories. Nostalgic memories and soothing music can stir feelings of calm and joy. Different people have different tastes and different reactions to different music, so it must be chosen with the person’s tastes in mind.
Confidence boosting
Taking part in a craft, project, or exercise can boost a participant’s confidence in what abilities they have or have forgotten. Contributing to a group project gives a sense of worth, and completing a piece of art brings satisfaction.
Earning a sense of accomplishment
When a person realizes they can no longer say or do things that they used to, discovering new talents, activities, and outlets can be rewarding. With enthusiastic praise and recognition from others, the dementia patient can find a wholeness they may have lost.
Whatever the cause or level of your or your loved one’s memory issues, South Mountain Memory Care, with our unique culture, “small house” model, and abundance of certified caregivers, offers you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one will be cared for as if they were our family—which they are!
South Mountain Memory Care is committed to providing individualized, compassionate care to support our residents in achieving a well-balanced lifestyle. We strive to allow our residents to remain independent while emphasizing safety. Our focus is to enrich their life—mind, body, and spirit—by bringing new initiatives into their day-to-day regimen while maintaining the activities they find comfort in. South Mountain Memory Care offers the peace of mind you deserve. When it comes to those you care so deeply about, we understand because we care, too.
NOTE: This article is for information purposes only, and is not intended to provide research or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provided for medical advice and care.