What is Art Therapy for Seniors, and What Are the Benefits?

Senior Care in Riverhead NY

It is becoming more and more common for caregivers to incorporate art therapy into their routine home care practices. This is primarily because they are seeing the value and benefits these practices provide their clients. The addition of creative practices to their routines gives seniors something to look forward to, especially if they are faced with numerous appointments or other commitments they find unpleasant.

What is Art Therapy for Seniors?

Simply put, art therapy is the therapeutic practice of utilizing art for seniors suffering from a traumatic experience, illness, or challenges within their everyday lives. These practices also are great additions for those looking for personal development. The benefits of working with a good art therapists include:

• Developing good coping skills through trauma
• Helping with stress relief and coping
• Dealing with medical condition and disease symptoms
• Cognitive ability enhancement, particularly for dementia companions
• Enhancement of self-awareness
• Importance of Art Therapy for Seniors

Despite the fact that this type of therapy is beneficial for seniors of all age ranges, this is especially important for those who are living and receiving elderly care within their home. This is mainly because these companions tend to suffer from debilitating afflictions including dementia, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis. In addition to these conditions being uncomfortable and painful, those who are living independently can feel demoralized by them.

Art Therapy Examples for Seniors

There are a number of different approaches at home care art therapists can take with regards to working with their companions. They can complete needlework projects with their companions to keep their hands busy using pieces of felt cloth and a needle because these project because they are simple and do not cause too much frustration.

Another project seniors tend to enjoy is drawing or painting because the activity is calming and allows for complete self-expression. This type of art therapy allows those receiving elder care to express themselves through their art work mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

If other friends join companions in their home during their senior care, this is an excellent art therapy opportunity that encourages socialization. These types of activities encourages those who are suffering from dementia, too, to further strengthen their memory as well. Using these art therapy helps seniors find additional value within their lives, as well as new ways they can enjoy themselves from day to day.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional senior care services in Riverhead, NY to help with elder care in the home, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.