January 13, 2017 by
We often hear about how important the arts are in a child’s education, but what about when we get older? Art plays a valuable role in learning throughout life, but it can be particularly helpful when providing companion care for seniors.
For many seniors, particularly those who have lost spouses or who are unable to get out and about due to mobility issues, daily life can become rather monotonous and feelings of depression and isolation can become common. However, enriching activities can help combat these feelings and provide a fun and therapeutic way for seniors to express themselves. Incorporating arts and music into daily companion care not only provides emotional and spiritual enrichment, but can significantly improve quality of life and even enhance the senior’s physical and mental capacities.
Did you know that:
- Drawing and painting improve mental stimulation and fine motor skills?
- Seniors are reported to display less anxiety and apathy after a visit to an art museum?
- Music is valuable for pain reduction, coping with stress and in stimulating the immune system?
- Music helps to alleviate anxiety, agitation, depression and loneliness?
- Art and music have been shown to be particularly helpful for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?
- Art therapy can help people with dementia regain some lost muscle function and coordination because it actively engages both hemispheres of the brain?
- Music that a senior loved in his youth can help trigger memories?
A study conducted by CoroHealth Music First found that agitation and depression decreased by up to 54% when seniors were regularly exposed to music they enjoyed. And we at At Home independent Living aren’t surprised – music is a source of comfort for all of us. We have found the restorative effects of music and art to be particularly important in our Syracuse home care services.
If you have a loved one in need of dedicated, enriching companion care services in Camillus, Syracuse or the surrounding area contact At Home Independent Living to learn more about our services.