Module 1 of “Using the Arts to Create Joy & Connection”
Why Art Makes a Difference to Quality of Life
Hi! Welcome to Module 1. In this module, we’re going to look at Why Art Makes a Difference to Quality of Life. Watch the video above. The text below, is a transcript of what you’ll see and hear in the video.
Dementia is an umbrella term describing diseases of the brain that lead to symptoms such as reduced memory, language and communication ability, and difficulty processing information to make decisions. Different types of dementia affect different parts of the brain and people can have more than one type of dementia. Research confirms the arts have a huge capacity to enable people to continue to express themselves and communicate with others about their feelings even when this isn’t possible in the traditional way through spoken or written words. Imagine how frustrating and isolating it is to be without the use of words in our world. But - people with dementia can continue to express themselves and to communicate in other ways. That is where the use of “art” comes in - creative expression. It is very powerful and gives people with any form of dementia a way to communicate about their experience of dementia and to express themselves to others.
Even when a person is cognitively or physically impaired, they can still access areas of creative vitality. By tapping into various art materials and mediums, the joy of creating is not hampered by dementia itself. In fact, “creativity” is at the heart of all problem-solving. We solve problems by looking at the problem in different ways in order to find a solution that will solve the problem. That’s creativity - looking at things in a different way. If there was ever a time when problem-solving was needed, this is it! People with dementia are trying to find “new ways” to be in the world when their “old ways” of communicating and engaging no longer work. It is a challenging and frightening time for them - and for you, as a caregiver. No two days with your loved one or client are the same, and that puts you in a position where you constantly need to adapt to new demands, different approaches and creative problem-solving too! Making use of expressive arts approaches and activities creates opportunity for you to navigate the changes in the life of your loved one or client, together. You can support them to access the materials, tools and approaches to find new ways to communicate when words are not an option, to have an outlet to express the realm of emotions that are so prevalent due to so much change, and to find new ways to be in the world. Ways that allow for connection with others, and the potential for the joy that results.
When I refer to the “arts”, I am talking about any type of art form - visual arts (such as drawing, painting, collage or sculpture), dance (any type of body movement, no matter how small or large), music (to play, to sing to, to listen to, to accompany), photography, and drama (whether it be acting, improv, puppetry, or other types of performance - either as a participant or as an observer). The arts remain accessible as a way to express and communicate. Even the literary arts (such as poetry, journalling, writing stories or songs) can still be an option for creative expression. Sometimes a person can’t access words in a way to put together a coherent sentence, but even individual words that are spoken by your loved one or client, can be captured and built upon with additional forms of art, often leading to greater understanding, communication and problem-solving.
Not surprisingly, along with greater understanding and communication, comes improved mental health and greater connection to others, resulting in better relationships and enhanced quality of life.
Co-creating Art to Build Connection
Another really significant way to build connection through the arts is by co-creating. This is an approach that is unfamiliar to a lot of people, but it is easy, fun and very effective. Working with others collaboratively, enables us to do things that are not possible in isolation.
Co-creation is super beneficial to creating stronger connections with all people in a person’s life - between the person with dementia and their caregivers, other health care staff, family members and friends. As dementia progresses and cognitive ability declines it can be really challenging to maintain strong connections and meaningful relationships, but through the arts, you can keep that connection and relationship strong and that makes a huge difference to a person’s quality of life. It also makes a big difference in how effectively all the people on the “team” work together and bring more creativity into the problem-solving process.
All of this requires a little bit of a mind shift. It’s a lot to wrap your head around. In the next module, that’s exactly what we’re going to take a look at; what mind shifts need to take place in order for all of this to work well. See you there!
