Research has shown that meaningful activities can be enjoyable and stimulating for both carers and people with dementia at all stages of the condition.
Taking part in activities based on the interests and abilities of the person with dementia can significantly increase their well-being and quality of life.
My mum has always been creative. One of her favourite hobbies is card making and despite her Alzheimer's, she is still able to make beautiful hand made cards.
Being an animal lover, she particularly enjoys making animal cards ... especially cards with cats on them!
Unable to draw out the cat shapes on her own now, I make her a template and off she goes!
She loves pretty colours and patterns and makes her cats beautiful bows that she decorates with jewels.
There are many benefits to this type of Art Therapy.
- Cutting out designs helps with hand / eye coordination
- Sticking down shapes aids focus and concentration
- Encourages self expression
- Lessens anxiety and fidgeting
- Provides a sense of accomplishment
And of course the pleasure of a creative activity that we do together also brings lots of conversation and lots of laughing!
Pretty patterned paper and bright jewels stimulate my mum's imagination.
Making cards gives her a real purpose ... she loves to give them to friends and family for Birthdays and to the doctors and nurses as Thank You cards!
Soon it will be time to make all our Christmas cards!!!
The Alzheimer's Society has long promoted the benefits of arts and crafts as a way to help people with dementia live well and have a better quality of life.
Crafts are a big part of my mum's life and I will make sure that they continue to be so for as long as possible!
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