For those who are caring for a person with dementia it might initially appear impossible to relate to a person with such a disease.
I felt this way when I took on a position as an Activities Organizer at a residential home for people with dementia.
With a background in fine arts instruction, I made the arts the basis of my activities program. This included watercolor painting, drawing, ceramics, glass and silk painting and weaving. I also included some basic craft work and music making. Most of the residents were very enthusiastic from the start. By introducing the residents to a variety of activities I was able to see which activity each person preferred. The residents were especially pleased when I displayed their work around the home. Their self esteem and confidence really blossomed.
Over the next 6 months I saw some positive changes in the residents, they were more active and became more engaged in other activities. They were also more sociable. I was so encouraged by this that I decided to compile a work book which included projects that I had found successful. The idea was accepted by Butterworth Hienemann and the book was published in the year 2000 under the title "Activities for Older People."
I strongly encourage those who work with people with dementia to include the arts in their activity program. The level of the dementia will have a direct bearing on length of engagement. If one project or activity does not bring results, try another. It has been my experience that positive results can be had with a little patience.
Since the book was published I have done more with rhythm-based music making in my activities program. The result was extraordinary. We made shakers from used tin cans which were colorfully decorated, a few seeds and beans were added and sealed inside. I purchased a few drums and we made music by following a simple rhythm. The group was amazing, shaking and drumming along, they kept time very well and were able to sustain a steady rhythm pattern for a good 30 minutes.
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