Six Fun Arts and Crafts Ideas for Your Elderly Loved One this Winter
Once the holidays are over, the next few months can seem to drag on and on. Bad weather and short days can force anyone to be inside more than they want, but for your elderly loved one, that can be especially true. If your elderly loved one has mobility issues that make getting around outside in inclement weather difficult or if she has cognitive issues that can make outings dangerous, finding some ways to keep your loved one entertained and stimulated during the cold winter months may require some colorful solutions.
How Art Benefits the Brain
Working on art projects or using art therapy can benefit your senior in many ways, whether she is currently sharp as a tack but unable to get out physically or if she has dementia. There is something about art that is universally beneficial to all who participate in it.
- It improved memory. Working on an art project that involves photos, or music may help your loved one regain memories that have long since been stored away.
- It reduces feelings of pain. Because the brain gets focused on something other than the pain currently happening in your loved one’s body, quite often the pain will be completely forgotten about for a while.
- It provides a safe way to express emotions. If your loved one is feeling angry or depressed, she might feel safer expressing it in a painting or sculpture than talking about it.
- It increases human connections. When done alongside someone, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a companion care at home provider, it can help even the most introverted and quiet person connect with the person next to them.
Six Arts and Crafts Projects to Try with Your Loved One
- Jewelry. Buy a simple kit of beads and string and your loved one can create bracelets, earrings, and necklaces for just about any occasion.
- Greeting cards. You can use rubber stamps, or stickers, or let your loved one create her art to make greeting cards to both send and give away.
- Pottery. Purchase pottery that needs to be painted for a fun craft where your loved one can let her imagination soar.
- Painting. There are many types of paint to try from watercolors to oil paints. You can put on instructional videos or let her create paintings from items around the home.
- Scrapbooking. It can be fun to get some of those old photos buried in a box and have your loved one help create a family scrapbook from them. This can also help her retrieve those memories attached to the photos.
- Decorated cookies. Why not let art be delicious as well as beautiful? Decorating cookies can be a great way to let her creative juices flow.
If you can set up an area specifically for arts and crafts, it’ll help reduce the stress of having to set up each time and clean up afterward. It’ll also provide a nice spot for a visitor like a companion care at home aide to connect with your loved one. Your loved one might enjoy being able to work on a project with her companion care at home provider or any other visitor who stops by. For some, working on a project side by side helps bridge an awkward gap when the conversations die down.