How Music & Art Therapy Help Seniors With Dementia?

Music

We all know how the power of arts touches people’s lives for the better. All of us can remember a time when a song came on the radio which evoked a particular emotion or saw a painting that made us smile or cry.

Because of the powerful abilities to connect with people, music and art have been effectively used to reach out to those suffering from dementia and help them become engaged. Music can lift spirits and improve mood, stimulate positive interactions, reduce agitation and enhance cognitive function. For those with Alzheimer’s disease, music provides a great way to connect to someone. Below mentioned are the benefits that dementia patients experience from music and art therapy:

Communication: People who face difficulty in expressing themselves verbally many times can communicate effectively through visual means. So, for those living with dementia can communicate through visual art and assist with communication barriers.

Self-Expression: Expression in art provide brilliant access to memories and a helpful starting point for reminiscence. Indeed, the act of creating enables us to share our lives and get validation for who we are.

Socialization: Going for movies or visiting a museum allows people to have enjoyable and shared experiences which further promote sharing of feelings and emotions with others.

Intellectual Stimulation: The act of brainstorming is a magnificent way to exercise your brain. Deciding what media to draw, where to put the first line, what to draw or paint all give mental exercise. Also, an art project can represent a stimulating challenge which increases orientation and awareness as well.

Getting started with music and art therapy won’t take much time. Kick start research for the therapy centers and get set to experience the interesting, exciting and fresh beginning of your life.

How To Care For Loved One With Dementia?

Dementia Care

If you are not personally affected by dementia disease, at some point in time you will likely know someone who has it. So, let’s get into the depth of this disease so we can help those affected by it.

Over a period of time, all types of dementia will lead to loss of reasoning and judgment, loss of memory, behavioral changes, physical decline and even death. This disease is influenced by several factors consisting of age and other conditions an individual may have. Below are some ways we have found to make this difficult journey a little easier for dementia patient and their caregiver:

Do Your Research: Every individual with dementia is different since the disease follows certain patterns. For example: people with dementia and Alzheimer’s can get angry without annoyance. Thus, it is likely your loved one would lash out at you occasionally. Plus, a sun downing symptom can give rise to confusion at night. Knowing these trademarks of dementia disease help you to not take them personally.

Accept You Are Not In Control: There are various ways to help your loved one coping with dementia, like finding them the finest care and interacting with them as much as possible. These things would help your loved one with time.

Try To Interact Only When You Are High On Energy: If you call your loved one at the end of an exhausting day this won’t be a good idea. It would be recommended to skip a day than to have a conversation neither of you would enjoy. It would make sense if you get a caregiver so you can recharge.

Laugh When You Can: Caring for someone with dementia can be tough, but sharing laughs, joking and enjoying comedy can be a great way in lightening the load and help you and this person feel positive.

Protect Your Own Brain Health: When you are around someone with dementia, it can make you wonder what they think so you need to maintain your mental balance in a good way. Some of the factors which may prevent brain deterioration consist of regular exercise, maintaining good cardiovascular health, eating healthfully and brain exercise.

Ask for Help: Caring for dementia patient requires much effort like visiting regularly, following up with nurses, taking them to doctor appointments etc. So, this could have a huge toll on a caregiver who doesn’t have any help. If this is your scenario, get in touch with your local Alzheimer’s association and find out what kind of community support is available.

Now, if you are a caregiver cut yourself some slack because there will be times when you lose patience. Always remember that caring for dementia patient is noble work instead of beating yourself up. Keep doing the good work and spread smiles as much as you can because that’s the way life should be lived.