What Can Regular Art Therapy Do for Your Elderly Loved One?

Elderly Care in East Quogue NY

More agencies, universities, and other entities are realizing that art has huge benefits for everyone, but especially elderly loved ones. If you’ve been wondering if art can help your loved one, take a look at these different ways that art can enrich your loved one’s life.

Gives Her a Sense of Control Over Her Situation

Chances are very good that your loved one feels out of control a good bit of the time. She may have health problems that dictate much of what she does or she may feel resentful that she needs extra help. Art and creating is a way for your loved one to have complete autonomy over a situation.

Help Her Relax

Art in general can be incredibly relaxing. Perhaps your loved one simply enjoys coloring for an hour or so every afternoon. Still other loved ones might enjoy making items out of clay or knitting. No matter what art form she prefers, engaging in it regularly can help her to relax more easily.

Help Her Socialize with Others

If you choose a group setting for your loved one, art therapy is a great way to meet new people or for her to spend time with people that she already knows. Most art is easy to engage in while conversing with others at the same time. Art can also make it easier for someone who is shy to interact with others.

Encourages Creativity and Playfulness

When your loved one starts to learn how to create art, she taps into her creative side more often. There may even be a childlike quality to the project that makes it easier for your loved one to simply have fun with the projects that she completes.

Helps Boost Self-esteem

There may be a lot of activities that your loved one can’t do anymore and that can cause grief and even anger. It might even cause her to doubt her abilities in other areas. No matter what issues your loved one is having, however, anyone can make art. Once she experiences that for herself, her self-esteem will get a huge boost.

Eliminates Boredom

If you find that your loved one is bored often, try adding different art projects to find one that she likes. You might both be surprised at what she finds enjoyable and it can breathe new life into what she views as activities that she enjoys.

Engage in art activities with your loved one and you’ll both benefit.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elderly care in East Quogue, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.