Art, music, and literature are fundamental to the human experience, and enjoying them enriches life at all ages. These creative outlets are just as valuable to individuals in memory care. A creative outlet provides much-needed pleasure, an opportunity to recollect, and an avenue for self-expression for people who struggle to communicate with speech. Fox Trail Memory Care Living provides memory care services and communities for residents in Northern and Central New Jersey. Here, our team discusses memory care activities with tips for enjoying art or music with your loved one with Dementia.
Connecting Through Time With Music
Music has a profound emotional effect. Consider how you feel when you listen to a favorite tune. Even during difficult times, the right song can spark positive feelings while recalling happy memories. This can be impactful even into the late stages of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Long after verbal communication becomes difficult, our residents can still tap to the beat or hum songs from their childhood.
This makes music a powerful tool for improving the emotional health of memory care residents. It’s also a great way for families to connect with their loved ones. Here are our suggestions for a music-sharing activity to enjoy at home or while visiting a family member in our community:
- Song selection: Play your loved one’s favorite music for them. If they can, let them pick the song. Otherwise, choose a popular song from their youth.
- Setting a mood: If it’s time to relax, play tranquil music to help your loved one calm down. Or, play something upbeat for an emotional boost.
- Sing along: Sing along with the music, and encourage your loved one to join in. This gets them engaged while creating a connection through shared activity.
- Get moving: Encourage physical involvement, like clapping or dancing, to increase your loved one’s enjoyment while helping them exercise.
When playing music, we recommend using a source that isn’t interrupted by commercials. These can be confusing to memory care residents, so skip the radio and stick to CDs or ad-free services.
Expression and Communication With Art
Visual arts are also a fantastic therapeutic measure for memory care residents. When verbal communication becomes difficult, drawing and painting give individuals a way to express themselves in abstract shapes and colors. The finished project serves as a tangible reminder of a feeling or memory. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and pride in having created something meaningful.
As with music, setting up a creative activity can be a great way to spend time with a loved one suffering from Dementia. You don’t need fancy or expensive supplies to help your loved one express themselves. Simply set aside some time and follow our recommendations to maximize enjoyment for all:
- Tools to provide: Provide implements that are easy to manipulate. Watercolors, pastels, thick charcoal pencils, and modeling clay are all good options.
- Tools to avoid: For your loved one’s safety, avoid toxic substances and sharp objects. You should also avoid crayons and items designed for children.
- Creative freedom: When setting up an art activity, allow your loved one to choose their medium and project. This step is an important part of self-expression.
- Getting started: Your loved one may have a hard time beginning by themselves. Start brush movements or provide basic instruction if they need it.
- Asking questions: Discuss and ask questions about the composition. This encourages your loved one, keeps them interested, and lets them share their art with you.
Finished pieces can be saved and displayed in your loved one’s space. Here, they add a personal touch while giving your loved one something they can see daily for a sense of purpose and pride.
Inspiring Creativity With SPARK
At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, we understand how important creative engagement can be for seniors with memory loss and Dementia. Our SPARK program includes art and music initiatives to provide social, emotional, and intellectual engagement. On-site activities provide opportunities to sing, dance, play musical instruments, and create. Meanwhile, our drama club performs comedy skits and storytelling. Residents may also enjoy virtual art museums through our VR technology.
SPARK also brings members of the community into our memory care home. Many activities are supported by teenage and college volunteers. Our partnership with Caring Thru Art connects seniors with high school students, forming intergenerational bonds through shared creative passion.
Explore Memory Care Activities in Assisted Living
Both art and music play an important role in high-quality Dementia care. At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, we incorporate creative pastimes into memory care activities. This helps keep residents engaged artistically as well as mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We maintain upscale homes in Northern and Central NJ with grounds and communities designed specifically for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. We also offer a HOPE program that integrates medical services into the daily lives of our residents. To learn more about our amenities or to schedule a tour, contact us today.