Programs
Day by Day Art Therapy provides art therapy programs for older adults in care: whether they live with dementia or other illnesses, in high care, low care, or independently in retirement villages. The sessions or workshops are 1 hour long and take place at the facilities for groups between 5 and 10 residents.
What is the aim of these groups?
- To facilitate social interactions between residents, hence reducing isolation;
- To get the creative juices flowing which stimulates the brain and gives the residents
a sense of pride and achievement after having created their art work;
- To promote happiness and well being
- To teach new skills which give the residents a sense of control
- To provide a space where the residents can feel free to play and explore with the
art materials, without the pressure of having to produce a 'beautiful work of art'
- To provide a safe space for the residents to bring thoughts and feelings knowing they
will be accepted and acknowledged
- To share and support each other in the art-making as well as the discussion processes.
The groups differ slightly depending on the needs of the residents. Because of these needs, the programs have been developed to suit groups of residents who are living with dementia, separate from groups of older adults in care.
Open Studio Art Therapy with Older Adults
This is a program that is offered for groups of older adults living in retirement villages or in care. The aim of these groups is to provide a social and relaxing setting in which the residents can explore freely with art materials and explore certain feelings if they wish to. They are in the style of an 'open studio' (inspired by Catherine Hyland Moon's book Studio Art Therapy), meaning the group will not consistently have the same participants. It also means that there is no set theme or project for each session; the residents can decide what they would like to work on, but the art therapist can also provide a directive if needed. No skills in art are needed. Discussions around themes and art works are welcome, but there is no obligation to share. This is a group meant for self-exploration through art making, so it is important that it stays a place where clients are respectful of one another and open to hearing each other's stories and experiences.
Sensory Art Therapy and Dementia
This program is for groups of residents living with dementia in care. Here we explore in the art making mostly through sensual work - the art materials become things the residents can taste, smell, touch and hear. Smell is very important when working with dementia as it is a very strong trigger for memories. The senses and art materials engage the residents to play and reminisce, which are both cognitively stimulating. The reminiscing turns into sharing and discussion, engaging the residents in social interactions with the group. Visual arts and story-telling techniques are also used in this program to broaden the ways in which the residents can engage and create, all while feeling safe and relaxed within the group.
"I feel compelled to let you know the difference art therapy has made in my life. Art therapy has certainly been a timely gift to residents in [my] retirement village. You certainly have made a difference in our lives."
- Lea (client of Day by Day Art Therapy)