Caring for a loved one with dementia is emotional, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming. But here’s something amazing: Art therapy can help.
Creating art is not just about painting pretty pictures—it’s about unlocking memories, working the hands, reducing stress, and creating moments of connection when words aren’t enough.
That’s why Kensington Falls Church invites you to an engaging and interactive event where artist Jennifer Zicht will guide us through the fascinating evolution of art across different periods, “Art Through the Ages: An Art History & Craft Experience.”
If you care for a senior, especially one with memory loss, these sessions are for you. RSVP now to receive expert-backed ideas to make your caregiving routine more joyful and easy.
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a creative expression with a purpose. It’s painting, sculpting, drawing—anything that lets someone communicate when words aren’t working.
For seniors, especially those with dementia, art therapy can awaken old memories, spark emotions, and bring a sense of calm and happiness.
Research shows that when people with dementia engage in creative activities, their brains light up in ways that regular conversation or daily tasks can’t match. It’s about stimulating the mind, not just keeping hands busy. Plus, it’s fun.
When life gets tough, having some fun matters.
How does art therapy help dementia patients?
Have you ever heard an old song and suddenly been flooded with memories from 20 years ago? Art can do the same thing.
It reaches into the parts of the brain that store emotions and long-term memories, which often remain intact even as dementia progresses.
1. Unlocks memories
Specific colors, textures, or scents can trigger long-forgotten memories. A person who struggles to recall names might suddenly paint a childhood home in perfect detail.
2. Reduces anxiety
Dementia can be frustrating. Not being able to express yourself is stressful. Art allows seniors to communicate without words, helping to lower anxiety and improve mood.
3. Boosts brain function
Creating art activates problem-solving, decision-making, and hand-eye coordination—all essential for keeping the brain engaged and active.
4. Creates social connection
Many seniors with dementia withdraw from conversations because talking feels hard. But when painting or making a collage, they’re part of something.
They’re interacting without the pressure to “find the right words.”
5. Giving a sense of accomplishment
Finishing a piece of art—a simple watercolor or a clay sculpture—gives a sense of pride. It reminds seniors (and their caregivers) that they are still capable, creative, and themselves.
The neuroscience behind art therapy for memory loss
The brain processes memories in multiple areas, primarily the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, among the first regions affected by dementia.
However, artistic expression engages the amygdala (emotion center), motor cortex (movement), and occipital lobe (visual processing)—areas that often remain intact longer.
Art bypasses damaged neural pathways and activates neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections. This means that sensory-rich experiences like painting or sculpting can awaken stored emotions and past experiences even when verbal memory fades.
Studies show that creating art stimulates the default mode network (DMN), helping to maintain cognitive function even as dementia progresses.
Different types of art therapy (and why they work)
Not all dementia therapies look the same. Different activities engage different parts of the brain and body.
The following are some that have been known to work well for seniors:
Painting and drawing
- Why it works: Encourages self-expression and stimulates memory
- Best for: Those who like to work with colors and shapes
Collage and mixed media
- Why it works: Sorting through images and arranging them sparks storytelling and decision-making
- Best for: Those who find cutting and pasting rather than drawing or painting easier
Sculpting with clay
- Why it works: The hands-on, tactile nature is soothing and helps with fine motor skills.
- Best for: Those who enjoy working with their hands
Storytelling and visual journaling
- Why it works: It helps connect past experiences with the present.
- Best for: Those who enjoy reminiscing and personal reflection
Music and art combined
- Why it works: Music taps into deep emotional memories and can enhance creativity.
- Best for: Those who connect strongly with music and rhythm
How to use art therapy at home
Bringing art therapy into daily life doesn’t require formal training—just a little patience and the right environment.
Set up a calm, clutter-free space with natural light and a comfortable chair. Use simple and safe materials, such as large-handled brushes, nontoxic paints, and easy-to-hold colored pencils.
The key is to focus on the process, not the outcome—there’s no right or wrong way to create.
Encourage exploration and engagement without pressure. If frustration arises, shift to something different, like finger painting or collaging. The goal is joy and connection, not perfection.
Tips to get started:
- Choose mess-free, easy-to-handle supplies
- Use familiar themes like nature or family
- Play soft music to create a relaxed atmosphere
- Join in—art is more fun together
- Celebrate effort, not the final piece
The benefits of art therapy in memory care
At The Kensington Falls Church, art therapy is essential to our memory care programs. It provides residents with a creative outlet that supports cognitive function, reduces stress, and stimulates self-expression.
Guided by trained professionals, these sessions help residents engage their minds, improve their motor skills, and connect with others meaningfully.
Art therapy isn’t just an activity—it’s a way to enhance quality of life through creativity and connection!
Join The Kensington Falls Church for expert-led workshops
At The Kensington Falls Church, we provide assisted living and memory care with a full range of services to support our residents’ health and well-being.
Our on-site rehabilitation services, exercise and wellness classes, and specialized therapy programs make maintaining strength, mobility, and overall health easier.
We also incorporate art and music therapy into daily routines, offering meaningful activities that engage the mind and promote emotional well-being.
Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care in a warm, supportive environment.
Call our office today to learn more about our available floor plans and how The Kensington Falls Church can support your loved one.