What Should You Keep in Mind When Starting Art Therapy Activities with Your Elderly Loved One?

Elderly Care in Bridgehampton NY: What Should You Keep in Mind When Starting Art Therapy Activities with Your Elderly Loved One?

Art therapy activities can encompass a wide range of different art and craft projects. Try starting out with activities that your loved one already enjoys and then add to the repertoire as you both gain experience with your art adventures.

Keep Her Skills, Abilities, and Mindset in Mind

When you’re looking at both activities to try and materials you want to use, keep your loved one’s abilities and skills in mind. Another aspect to keep in mind is whether your loved one is likely to do things like trying to eat paint or drinking water you’re dipping the brushes in. Avoid using any objects or materials that could harm your loved one if she were to ingest them.

Art Can Use All the Senses

Many people think about art as something that is just a feast for the eyes, but it really uses all of the senses. Try using materials that use a variety of textures and colors. You might also want to look for crinkly materials that make interesting sounds, such as Mylar paper. Paints or markers that smell like flowers can be fun, as can finger painting. Explore all sorts of different materials.

Demonstrate and Participate with Your Loved One

For some activities, you might have to start things rolling and show your loved one what the project entails. At other points, you might find yourself demonstrating how to continue or how to finish whatever you’re working on together. Participating with your loved one is a wonderful experience and can give you both a great deal of joy.

Use Art Activities as a Way to Bond with Your Loved One

Not only are art activities fun, they’re a fantastic way to bond with your loved one. You might also find it easier to talk with your loved one about more difficult topics while you’re both engaging in an art project. Having something to do with her hands can help your loved one to feel more comfortable talking to you, as well.

Schedule regular art activities with your elderly loved one and try to incorporate more of the activities that she really enjoys.

Excerpt: If you haven’t already tried using art therapy activities with your elderly loved one, you might want to give it a try. Art can help your loved one to express herself, even if that’s difficult in other ways now.

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