How Does Art Therapy for Your Elderly Loved One Work?

You might have heard about all the benefits that art therapy can have for your elderly loved one, but how can you implement it for her? Learning what art therapy is and what it isn’t can help you to determine the best path for your elderly loved one.

Home Health Care in Water Mill NY: Art Therapy For Your Senior

Art Can Involve Creating or Appreciating

When most people think about art, they might think primarily about creating it or observing it. The reality is that both are art in their own way. Your elderly loved one might simply enjoy looking at art pieces, listening to music, or watching other people dance. That’s all okay. You might be able to convince her later to try creating something on her own.

You Can Engage in Group Sessions

Many senior centers have group sessions in which groups of seniors take part in a guided art therapy session. You might want to consider this approach with your elderly loved one, especially if she’s been feeling isolated. Group sessions can also benefit your loved one by allowing her to learn something that is completely new for her.

You Can Do Art Therapy Activities at Home

Art at home is also easy to do. Your loved one might find that doing simpler activities that are less formal are easier for her to let herself go and enjoy. One easy source for activities can be sites and books that include ideas for activities that you can do with kids. The reason for this is often that your loved one might feel that tackling more complicated projects with little experience can be intimidating.

The End Result Is the Experience

No matter what, the most important part of any sort of art therapy isn’t the finished project. It’s truly all about what the experience does for your elderly loved one. If it allows her to connect with other people, if it allows her a means of expressing herself, or if it allows her to open up to you, then it’s all been worth it.

If your elderly loved one doesn’t enjoy art therapy at first or doesn’t feel any benefits, you can try again with different activities. Art therapy doesn’t look exactly the same for everyone.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care in Water Mill, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.