Brava

February 2014

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FEBRUARY 2014 | BRAVAMAGAZINE.COM 33 At Artisan Memory Care Residences we celebrate each individual life with the dignity they have earned and a warm appreciation for the chapters that are yet to unfold. But in this special place something else is going on, something remarkable. Opportunities to nourish the soul through the creative process with the gentle guidance of our Artists in Residence. The experience often produces a sense of calm and heightened self-esteem — another time and place is recaptured and passions memorialized in vibrant artistic expression. Simply put, we set the gold standard in Memory Care. "To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts." — T horeau — 608.828.9600 l 5330 Century Ave l Middleton l artisanseniorliving.com An Inspired & Artful M e m o r y C a r e O a s i s A S S I S T E D L I V I N G & M E M O R Y C A R E A MOSAIC MANAGEMENT GROUP COMMUNITY RETIREMENT LIVING | Special Advertising Section CREATING ART KEEPS MEMORIES ALIVE FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA By Cindy Senke The retelling of important life stories has been not merely a way share family history but is an essential part of our collective future. The sharing of treasured memories keeps them alive and is an important way to preserve wisdom and humor for generations to come. For the person with dementia, art making and reminiscence can provide an opportunity to rekindle memories and free emotion. A growing body of evidence suggests that the creative process is therapeutic and can profoundly improve a sense of well- being and elevate mood. Many individuals with dementia face loss of independence and verbal skills. Through careful choice of media, a skilled art therapist can offer a nonverbal way for older adults to communicate their feelings through a structured art task. The journey of Alzheimer' brings periods of anxiety and confusion. The participation in the multisensory experience of creating art can have a calming effect. The structure and YLWL[P[PVUVMZWLJPÄJTLKPHTH`LUHISLVUL[V focus their energy into the art and take pride PU[OLÄUHSWYVK\J[,_WYLZZP]LHY[TLKPHJHU be invigorating—studio sessions might include working with graphite pencils and paper, watercolors, hand painting photographs, clay making, to working with oils pastels. Small group projects, such as a mosaic or a mural, may offer older adults with memory loss a safe place engage with others and make social choices. The ability to draw upon strengths is especially important when choice and control have been lost. An older adult with dementia might appreciate a second pair of hands when those hands belong to a beloved son or daughter. Working together on a therapeutic art project can be a profound experience of discovery for families. Talking about the art they have created allows an older adult with memory loss to reminisce, tell their unique story, and leave a legacy. Cindy Senke, CPM is the President and CEO of Mosaic Management Group and Artisan Assisted Living and Memory Care. Contact her at (608) 221-8010 for more information.

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