Andrews of Stratford resident Sarah MacQuarrie started painting after she had her first child and kept it up for most of her adult life.
“I found great treasures in it,” she said.
Now retired, Sarah doesn’t paint like she used to but instead finds creative release in art classes led by activity director Sharon Woods-Bryenton.
“It gives me something to do,” Sarah said. “I continue painting, in a sense, but I like to see little things come alive.”
Sarah is far from the only resident who feels this way. Residents at all our Andrews and ProTem Memory Care homes find comfort, purpose and belonging in the art therapy classes provided.
“Doing something creative can help boost mental health by stimulating different parts of the brain and provide a sense of accomplishment and improve self-esteem,” said Annelize Malan, activity director at Andrews of Summerside.
Annelize organizes multiple art and craft projects a month and tries to mix up different mediums to keep residents interested.
“Arts and crafts are not just painting a picture, but can be anything from knitting, sewing, painting to coloring,” she said. Most recently, residents worked on creating snowflakes using Q-tips and glue.
Andrews of Summerside resident Adele Gardiner was a professional quilter who ran a successful business selling quilts around the world. She’s now a regular at art classes, always willing to try something new or challenge her skills.
“I’ve done crafts all my life and I’m always looking for new ideas,” she said.
Adele added, the social aspect of art classes is another positive.
“I enjoy getting together with all these people,” she said.
For Beulah Waite, who also lives at Andrews of Summerside, the classes are a great form of mental stimulation.
“You got to keep your mind working,” she said.
The benefits for people living with dementia can be even more profound. A report published in December in Scientific American showed working on an art project can lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, improve cognition, sleep and mood.
“There’s definitely a relaxation component,” said Adrienne Lacroix, activity director at our dementia care homes in Moncton. “The after-effects are very beneficial.”
In addition to improvement in mood and overall sense of well-being, the art classes also provide a sense of accomplishment.
“They feel so proud,” Adrienne said. “Just seeing that sense of pride is fantastic.”
Adrienne’s program focuses on learning about an artist first, then showing a documentary on the artwork and then providing an opportunity for the residents to express themselves. She plays classical or relaxing music and emphasizes the creative journey over the end result.
“We have residents who have their masters in art or were artists themselves,” she said. “But even residents who have no art background thoroughly enjoy it.”
Art and craft classes are a part of regular activity programming at all our P.E.I. senior care homes as well as our dementia care homes in Moncton. To see more about what each home has planned this month visit www.andrewsseniorcare.com or www.protem.ca.
