Receiving the diagnosis of dementia is a life-changing adjustment and can be devastating news to hear for both the patient and loved ones. Finding supportive and meaningful activities can make a significant difference in coping with the condition.
There are many ways to enhance the quality of life for those who are living with dementia through creative therapies. At Friary Care, we focus on improving our resident’s well-being by incorporating art and music therapy into their care plans. Our goal is to provide activities that bring joy and fulfilment to ensure the highest level of happiness for those we care for.
In this article, we’ll explore how art and music therapy can enhance the mental well-being of people with dementia and positively impact their quality of life.
Music Therapy in Dementia Care
Music therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses music to address the individual’s physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. The art of music therapy involves creating and listening to music to improve mental and emotional well-being and promote healing.
Music therapy has been proven to boost the well-being of people with dementia, which we see firsthand for ourselves daily. We have found that playing music to residents has helped open core memories and bring joy that other forms of therapy fail to achieve. Some of our residents that have dementia enjoy creating new music using instruments, often using this as an outlet to express their emotions.
Art Therapy in Dementia Care
Art therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses creative processes, including drawing, painting and sculpting. This type of wellness therapy is designed to help dementia patients express emotions and improve mental health. We have found that this type of therapy has helped to boost their overall well-being.
4 Ways Music and Art Therapy Helps Those With Dementia
Reduces Anxiety
Music and art are an effective strategy for creating a soothing atmosphere and can be very effective in alleviating anxiety in individuals with dementia.
Listening to music one loves can form that bond of safety and comfort, which can reduce anxiousness and redirect their focus away from distressing thoughts. For those with dementia, connecting with a song with repetitive motions in art can have a meditative effect, further promoting relaxation and emotional stability.
Creates an Outlet for Expression
Those living with dementia can often find verbal communication increasingly challenging as the condition progresses. We have found that music and art therapies open a window to describe these intricate emotions and memories without the need for words. This helps our residents with dementia better relate to joy, sadness or nostalgia that otherwise might have remained unspoken and often provides that emotional release they need.
Keeping Connected with the World
The feeling of disconnect from the environment and people around them is a very common side effect in dementia patients. We have discovered that music and art therapy have helped individuals stay engaged and connected.
Simply singing some of our favourite songs or working on an art project, has helped to trigger memories of past experiences which has led to moments of clarity and recognition. We have found that this increases a sense of identity and helps maintain relationships with their loved ones.
Creates New Memories
While many people associate dementia with memory loss, music and art therapies develop into new, enjoyable memories that add a new richness to the person’s life.
We have found that drawing or playing a specific song is enjoyable for more than just the moment of the actual activity but is also comforting and known in the session to follow. The new memories formed, even if fleeting, contribute to a sense of happiness and individual connection to self that has beneficial effects on overall well-being.
Providing Art and Music Therapy at Friary Care
At Friary Care in Dorset, we provide many activities designed to improve the quality of life for our dementia residents. We create an array of stimulating daily activities like art and music therapy to ensure our dementia residents receive the best quality and most fulfilling activities during their stay at our care home in Dorset. Popular activities among our visitors and residents include painting, sculpting, drawing and musical improvisation.
If you would like more information on Dementia Care in Dorset or would like to visit our care home in Dorset, please call Peter Fry on 01305 787811.
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