Art therapy is becoming increasingly popular among seniors homes andaged care facilities. In fact, did you know art therapy is also used in manyfacilities for mental health recovery? The benefits that people, especiallythose in aged care, can reap from art therapy are immense. Expressing yourselfin creative and fun ways is a fantastic way to improve quality of life, mentalhealth and overall wellbeing.
Studies have even shown that people who engage in creative activities in their golden years are able to keep their minds alert and more active than those who do not. In this article, experts in aged care in Newcastle have shared with us the benefits of art therapy in aged care. Read on to find out more!
- Improve On Senior Health
You may be surprised to know that, according to recent studies, it has actually been proven that elderly people who engage in arts/art therapy have shown to have better physical health, require less medication and trips to the doctor’s office, have improved cognitive abilities, and lower chances of falling over (something that is potentially fatal for the elderly).
They have also shown lower levels of loneliness, depression and isolation compared to those who do not regularly engage in art therapy. This comes as no surprise as art therapy equips the elderly with sensory stimulation, reduces boredom, nurtures their self-esteem and allows them to channel their creativity into art. All these combined have a significant impact on the overall health of seniors, which is why art therapy is so incredibly popular in many aged care facilities today.
2. Art Therapy Gives Insight Into What Words May Not Be Able To Convey
In aged care facilities, you may come across elderly folk who are unable to verbally communicate their feelings, whether that be because of degenerated cognitive abilities, or non-willingness to participate in therapy. Art therapy is a fantastic way to communicate with these individuals as it allows us an insight into what is going on in their minds.
We are able to decode their non-verbal messages which often come out as artwork on their canvases. This allows professionals to further tweak treatment plans and offers the patient a means of expressing what they may otherwise feel they are unable to say.
3. Art Therapy Can Improve Memory
Did you know that art therapy is a fantastic way to aid memory loss? Regular and focused activities, such as painting, sewing and so on can greatly benefit those with memory loss as they challenge the mind and improve cognitive ability. Being creative can sometimes even reconnect memory chains in individuals and help them remember things that they may have forgotten in the past. Many nurses and volunteers in aged care have shared stories about how art therapy has helped bring lightbulb moments to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia. We really can’t think of anything better than this, and all it requires is getting the creative juices flowing!
4. Increased Levels of Socialisation
As art therapy is often conducted in a group setting, seniors are able to interact with each other. This may help them to come out of their shell, make new friends, and improve their overall happiness and mental health, which in turn has a significant psychosomatic effect on their physical wellbeing. Art therapy plays a crucial role in encouraging individuals to socialise with each.
5. Who Doesn’t Like A Little Fun?
Last but not least, regardless of age, who doesn’t like a little fun? Art can be a fantastic way for the elderly to let their hair loose – if that isn’t enough reason to introduce art therapy into the mix, we don’t know what is!
