Activities such as art and music positively impact individuals with or without dementia. For those living dementia specifically, art, music, and spiritual activities continue to have a profound effect on their well-being. Let’s take a look at how these special experiences benefit patients.
Art and music bring people together. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, here are some benefits of art and music as therapy:
- “Studies have shown music may reduce agitation and improve behavioral issues that are common in the middle-stages of the disease. Even in the late-stages of Alzheimer’s, a person may be able to tap a beat or sing lyrics to a song from childhood. Music provides a way to connect, even after verbal communication has become difficult.”
- “Art projects can create a sense of accomplishment and purpose. They can provide the person with dementia — as well as caregivers — an opportunity for self-expression.”
Harvard Health lists the following ways that music therapy benefits patients:
- Easing anxiety and discomfort during procedures.
- Restoring lost speech.
- Reducing side effects of cancer therapy.
- Helping with physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Aiding pain relief.
- Improving quality of life for people with dementia.
Listening to music that’s familiar or carefully selected to encourage a calm mood, and working with one’s hands to draw or paint can be incredibly rewarding and stress-relieving. When it comes to art, a 2010 study found that “There is also evidence that use of art and music reduces hospital stays, with studies showing earlier discharges among patients taking part in visual and performing arts interventions than among those not doing so.”
As dementia patients get the physical care they need, it is also important to tend to their spiritual needs. Another study found that “Religion and spirituality may offer alternative pathways to continue to find meaning after the diagnosis in the chronically ill older patients through the long course of the disease.” Spiritual practices and community also aid caregivers in how they approach providing care.
Special Experiences at Olivenhain
At Olivenhain Guest Home, we provide all of these special experiences to our residents. Knowing the benefits of these activities, we include them in our residents’ regular routines.
Our spiritual activities include a weekly non-denominational church service, bible studies with volunteers from our community, as well as poetry readings and short stories that are calming and peaceful. People of any faith are free to have their clergy, rabbi, or other spiritual leader come to minister to them.
Our residents also enjoy the stimulation of live music seven days a week with a variety of musicians and genres. There are also dance parties that they can participate in. Residents that are engaged in activities and preserve social connections can maintain a high quality of life despite the health challenges they face.
We also include a “Celebrate Your Life” Program, which focuses on our resident’s lives and memories. Residents can take advantage of a variety of classes, workshops, guest speakers, daily live music, and educational and entertaining videos.
Why Choose Olivenhain for Your Loved Ones
The team at Olivenhain Guest Home are leaders and experts in the industry. We’ve been in the memory care industry since 1996 and our Conference Training Center has hosted many senior care workshops and seminars for the community. Additionally, our caregivers are well-trained, warm and supported by 24-hour emergency services. We have a memory care team specially trained to care for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our spacious facility is also well-equipped, designed to meet and exceed ADA standards. Last but not least, at Olivenhain Guest Home it’s all about the activities to keep patients engaged. Our team supports residents through arts and crafts, music therapy, and more.
Come see the Olivenhain difference. Schedule a tour today or contact us for more information.
