As a senior gets older, they should be focused on mental health and how to manage their stress. You may not believe your senior has anything to stress about, but the truth is, this stage in life has a lot of new challenges that can bring tons of stress. Your senior may be losing friends and family their age, going through financial issues, and maybe even changing health issues. Therapy can be a great choice for many seniors, and there is a wide variety of therapies to choose from, one of them being art therapy. Having an in-home care provider there for them can assist them with their stressful times.
Everyone can benefit from the power of art. It’s delightful, enjoyable, and gratifying. However, art therapy is especially effective for elderly persons suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Even if your senior does not struggle with dementia or something else, they can still benefit from some art therapy.
Art Therapy Allows a Senior to Express Themselves
Art is one of the best ways to allow anyone of any age group to self-express. They can use words, no words, colors, or pictures to share their feelings. Seniors can create something big or small during an art therapy session. They may want to focus on one thing or just have the freedom to do whatever they want. If your senior works closely with home care, this is a good way for home care to see how your senior is feeling without directly asking them.
Art Can Relieve Stress and Promote Physical Skills
Seniors with visual changes, hearing loss, or memory loss often feel uncomfortable or disturbed. Art therapy has a soothing impact. Seniors concentrate on the task during art sessions, which allows them to keep their minds off whatever is irritating or upsetting them. Even if a senior doesn’t have hallucinations or a progressive disease, they can still be battling stress. Art therapy can help anyone regardless of what they may be battling.
Certain forms of art may aid in developing motor skills and dexterity. Making string bangles and garlands is an excellent exercise for developing motor skills. Use bigger beads so elders can easily grab them and thread them onto the rope. This practice enhances their motor abilities, cognitive skills, and hand-eye coordination. Stringing the beads onto a thread requires the coordination of their hands and eyes.
In-Home Care Aides Oversee the Art Therapy that Helps Improve Cognitive Skills
Alzheimer’s disease may impact a person’s emotions, thoughts, and actions. As the illness progresses, their cognitive abilities deteriorate, making it harder for them to converse or retrieve memories. Tell them to sketch what they remember as being their favorite time of year, location, or childhood memory. In-home care may also help by asking them questions during this time.
If you or in-home care aides notice your senior’s mood has been dipping or they seem stressed but unwilling to talk about it, you may want to encourage your loved one to start art therapy. It can be one of their best decisions and a great way to keep an eye on their moods and feelings without being invasive.
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care Services in San Leandro CA, please contact the caring staff at Alondra Home Care today. Call (855)-767-1110.
Providing Exceptional Home Care Services in the Fremont CA and Alameda County area for over 5 years.
- Assisted Living in Oakland or Bay Area: Your Partner in Daily Independence and Support - November 8, 2024
- Respite Care: Essential Relief for Family Caregivers - November 1, 2024
- Homemaker Services for Senior Care: Alondra Home Care - October 23, 2024
