Crafting With Seniors

Getting into creative endeavors can bring healthy mental and physical advantages into your senior years. Many researchers have agreed that creative expression can bring a sense of purpose, enhancing coordination and vital concentration that can bolster the well-being of those practicing. For those dealing with memory loss such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or any degenerative illnesses, being able to engage in creative activities can be a powerful addition to combat anxiety and depression. With Visiting Angels in Crystal Lake, we have a team of dedicated caregivers with a history of going above and beyond for the seniors they care for daily. 

The Main Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Seniors

Crafting and creating art is much more than just a relaxing pastime; it’s a pathway to empowering seniors to take control of their own time. By engaging in creative projects, it can bring feelings of enjoyment, and calmness. It can also aid with cognitive and memory issues that your loved one might be facing, creating a singular activity for them to concentrate on. 

Completing art projects contributes to self-esteem and creates and bolsters your loved one’s sense of purpose and identity. If the idea of implementing this in their lives interests you, but you don’t seem to have the extra time to do it yourself, having a caregiver on hand can help ensure that a proper and creative care plan is implemented while you’re away. Let’s go through four easy ways to slowly introduce fun craft ideas into your loved one’s daily routines. 

Elevating The Creativity of Seniors in The Crystal Lake Area

• Decoupage - What is decoupage? It’s a soothing and serene papercraft that is suited for all skill levels and ages. It involves cutting out images from your favorite magazine and prints, gluing them onto an object, and then layering a varnish on top of it to seal it all together. 
• Painting - Painting is often viewed as a great way of relaxing and self-expression. It can serve as an escape into a creative world when it can start to feel a bit challenging or stressful. Painting on canvas is the traditional method, but any surface can bring the same beneficial side effects. It is a great outlet for self-expression and is a low-risk option to get your loved one to concentrate on a singular activity.
• Knitting and Crocheting - This craft does require a bit of history in the craft, but if your loved one has a basic understanding and knowledge of knitting or crocheting, it’s time to use it to benefit their sense of calm. It involves fine motor skills that can stimulate the brain and help mitigate memory loss symptoms. 
• Collaging - Collaging is a budget-friendly way of engaging with others and can be done as a group activity. It can nurture creative friend groups and is a lighthearted way of stimulating hand-brain coordination. Only a little is required to get started. Having a pair of scissors, a newsletter, cardboard, and glue can get you started in an instant. 

Connecting With Visiting Angels

With Visiting Angels in Crystal Lake, we stand ready to provide you with a compassionate caregiver who is excited to join your team and bring creativity back into your loved one’s daily routine. When you’re ready to seek assistance with caregiving responsibilities, make sure to contact us at (815) 479-0312 or visit our contact page online and explore the vast ways that we can aid you with enhancing your family’s quality of life.