As dementia progresses, conversation and connection between the individual experiencing symptoms and loved ones can become more challenging. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as guilt for family members who don’t know how to help.
Creative therapies, such as art, music and storytelling, can open gentle pathways to memory and emotion. Expressing oneself through the shared joy of painting, singing or sharing stories can spark memories and nurture identity, calm anxiety and bring you and your loved one closer together.
Today, we’ll explore the power of creative reminiscence for dementia care and how you can apply it to your loved one’s experience.
Why Does Creativity Matter in Dementia Care?
Creativity is incredibly important for individuals with dementia as it supports connection, dignity and quality of life, even as memory and cognitive abilities change. There are several reasons why creativity matters in dementia care:
Creativity Communicates Beyond Words
As dementia progresses, speaking abilities often become more difficult. Creative activities like music, art and storytelling give individuals the opportunity to express emotions without relying on their words. This fosters connection between loved ones and reduces feelings of isolation.
Preserve Personhood and Dignity
Creativity focuses on who your loved one is, rather than their struggles and symptoms. Engaging in meaningful, creative experiences helps maintain a sense of self and honour your loved one’s life history. This defines them by their passions rather than their diagnosis.
Reduce Negative Emotions
Creative engagement can help calm agitation, reduce boredom, and ease negative emotions like distress and anxiety. Music and gentle music can provide comfort, while art and storytelling can provide emotional regulation.
Learn more about the emotional changes in dementia by reading our helpful guide.
Strengthen Relationships Between Loved Ones
Art provides an ideal experience to foster a connection among your loved one living with dementia, carers, and family members. Creating things together builds moments of joy and new memories, even when old ones begin to fade.
Support Well-Being and Purpose
Creativity gives people something to look forward to and a sense of contribution. Whether that be through painting, singing, or reminiscing through photos, creative moments can spark a strong sense of purpose and pride.
The Power of Music
Music is an incredibly evocative therapy for individuals with dementia. Without even listening to the words or understanding their meaning, the melody can transport your loved one back to a time decades ago when they last heard it.
This can spark laughter and conversation about the past, serve as a reminder of joyful memories, or simply bring a sense of comfort through recognition.
Music therapy for dementia can be implemented in various ways, such as listening to your loved one’s old albums, singing together, or creating a playlist of songs from pivotal moments. For example, their wedding song could spark memories of the happiest day of their life.
Music for individuals with dementia can:
- Improve mood and reduce negative symptoms, such as agitation
- Encourage movement and communication
- Help you reconnect emotionally with your loved one
- Spark memories and provide a sense of familiarity and security
Using Art as a Way of Expression
Art allows people to express feelings that can be difficult to put into words. The best thing about art is that there are so many ways to express it, from painting to collage, colouring to sculpture. No matter which type of art you and your family choose, the process can be soothing and a natural confidence booster.
There are no rules in art, so you don’t have to worry about ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. Creating art is about being present in the moment, not producing a masterpiece.
The method of art therapy can be challenging to practice with your loved one. Consider their personality and what they might enjoy most.
The most common types of art include:
- Painting: Drawing or painting familiar scenes, such as gardens, seascapes or pets, can spark conversation and evoke fond memories.
- Pottery and sculpting: Crafting 3D models can help ground your loved one, especially once they have something tangible to see in their home every day.
- Collage: Using different textiles, colours and patterns can stimulate your loved one’s senses.
- Gardening: Gardening not only helps your loved one get out in the fresh air, but it also gives them a purpose and a lovely area to enjoy every day.
If you think these activities are too strenuous or difficult for your loved one, there are other ways to exercise their artistic ability. Even simple acts, such as sorting coloured buttons or arranging flowers, can help them feel creative and give them a sense of purpose.
Sharing Stories Among Friends
Stories and memories are a classic part of who we are. However, for individuals living with dementia, memory loss and increased confusion can make it increasingly difficult to recall them. Sitting down with your loved one and working through their memories can be an effective way of sharing, connecting and ensuring they feel valued.
There are plenty of ways you can enjoy storytelling with your loved one, such as:
- Memory boxes: Create a memory aid full of meaningful objects, such as wedding photos, a holiday passport, family heirlooms and trinkets.
- Asking open questions about old photos: Get the photobooks out and look through them with your loved one, asking open questions to encourage conversation.
- Writing shared memories: Talk to your loved one and unpack their memories, and write down the important information to help them retain it for longer.
- Reminisce as a family: Gather your loved ones’ family and friends and have them share their experiences, such as a family holiday, wedding or Christmas.
You could also record poems or short stories together, as sometimes listening to a familiar voice can be deeply comforting for individuals with dementia. Audio clips can also be beneficial for family members, as they’re a way of preserving family history while strengthening your current shared bond.
Getting Started with Using Art in Dementia Care
One of the best things about art is that you don’t need any fancy materials or training. You can purchase some basic supplies, such as felt-tip pens or paint, and get started to support your loved one’s dementia care plan:
To get started, consider:
- Creating a playlist of your loved one’s favourite songs from the past
- Use old magazines, postcards and photos to make a collage
- Try painting on scrap paper or modelling with air-dry clay
- Keep a memory box that you can add to over time and swap out memories for repeated use
- Print out pictures from the past found online, such as of familiar beaches, fashion, and occasions that can spark memories or conversations
Talk to Our Team Today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm and Saturday to Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
