How Do You Teach Art Classes For Alzheimers Patients?
Alzheimers’ disease is about loss: loss of memory, mobility, intellect and finally speech. But there may be a silver lining. The erosion of mental faculties can sometimes make way for a creative side. Patients who have Alzheimers’ often display artistic abilities that were repressed or unused during their lifetime. Facilties that care for Alzheimers’ patients have been using art as a therapeutic tool, with good results. Here is how to present an art program for Alzheimers’ patients. Limit the group to about six to eight for each facilitator. Have individuals be seated at a table with enough room for materials. Use masking tape to anchor large-size sheets of drawing paper in place in front of each individual. Provide an object, such as a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit, for the group to copy. Offer watercolor pencils, acrylic and watercolor paints (for ease of clean-up). Plan to spend about an hour on the activity. If students tire, become distracted or lose interest, take a break. P
