Art therapy paints more than a pretty picture
Our recent Create-a-Masterpiece function brought consumers from our home care and day support programs and services together to enjoy a day of fun, friendship and creativity.
Enjoying expert tips and guidance from the artists of local organisation Paint Your Town, our 60 participants created a beautiful sunset scene, proving that everyone can be creative, no matter their skills, age or background.
Chris Giles, Anglican Care’s General Manager of Community Care Services said studies conducted all over the world report on the positive effects art therapy can have for the health and wellbeing in the elderly.
“Art Therapy has many benefits for people in aged care. It can allow the expression of complex thoughts and emotions, help to alleviate anxiety and depression, improve motor skills and cognitive functioning, and encourage discussion and socialising,” Ms Giles said.
The therapy is particularly of benefit to people with dementia or Alzheimer’s as they can experience a range of physical, cognitive and psychological benefits and can sometimes even unlock a memory or creative side of the person which may have been forgotten in their senior years.
Our Lifestyle & Wellbeing calendars across Anglican Care are full of events that nurture people’s creative sides. It could be anything from picking up a paintbrush, making something, even dancing, playing an instrument or singing. A lovely way to bring back memories and maybe even uncover some hidden talents.
