How Memory Care Programs Use Music and Art to Stimulate Memory
One of the key efforts of memory care communities is helping residents maintain their cognitive functions. As individuals age, their ability to remember and recall key information, both from their pasts as well as the present, begins to deteriorate. While there are a variety of reasons for this decline, it’s clear that taking steps to help boost memory matters.
Studies have shown that a great way to support those living with memory loss or dementia is to introduce music and art into daily life. These creative forms of expression go beyond just entertainment, they stimulate memory and enhance an individual’s emotional well-being.
Best of all, you don’t even have to be a music or art aficionado to see the benefits of creative expression. Just a few minutes each day can bring a variety of impressive benefits!
Here at Ellery Arbor Memory Care, we know that memory matters. That’s why we work hard to incorporate opportunities for music and art in all of our memory care resident’s lives. Let’s look at how music and art help support our overall health and our memory!
How Music Supports Memory Care
Music has always been a profound way of accessing the deepest parts of our brains. Even for those suffering from memory loss, the rhythms, melodies, and lyrics of familiar songs have a way of evoking powerful memories and emotions.
So, how is music incorporated into memory care?
1. Music Therapy Sessions
Music therapy involves engaging individuals with certified music therapists to provide a supportive environment where music can play a healing role in life. These sessions often involve listening to a favorite song, taking part in sing-alongs to encourage brain-body connections, and playing musical instruments to stimulate motor skills.
Research has shown time and again that music therapy can reduce anxiety and improve mood and can even help enhance cognitive abilities in those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
2. Personalized Playlists for Daily Life
Outside professional music therapy, memory care teams work with residents and their loved ones to create personalized playlists of favorite music that can be played in a resident’s room.
These songs may trigger specific joyful memories related to the music – such as songs from childhood or music from weddings or similar events. Plus, they can play a role in bringing comfort and calm in moments where residents may feel stressed or anxious.
3. Group Music Activities
Memory care communities are known for creating opportunities for group engagement and those include music!
Choirs, drum circles, hymn sings – nearly any type of musical group activity can help residents feel connected and engaged in their community. Plus, this sense of belonging and routine can bring about plenty of other excellent health benefits!
How Art Plays A Role In Memory Care
Art is another great creative outlet for those living in memory care communities. Unlike verbal communication, which often becomes challenging for those with memory loss or dementia, art offers a way to communicate through self-expression.
1. Creative Arts Sessions
In memory care communities, residents are encouraged to explore a variety of artistic hobbies – such as painting, drawing, and even sculpting. No matter the skill level, these activities can bring tons of benefits when it comes to memory care:
- Art allows for creative expression without the pressure of perfection or failure.
- Art can stimulate the brain in ways similar to music and boost motor skills and coordination as residents focus on projects.
- Creative arts offer a sense of accomplishment and can boost self-esteem.
2. Art Appreciation
It’s not just creating art that can help memory, but spending time reflecting and appreciating art can also play a role.
In memory care, staff create opportunities for art appreciation, whether bringing art or artists to the community for sessions or encouraging art storytelling groups.
3. Group Crafting Sessions
Hobby groups around art create a wonderful way for individuals to stay connected with others and their inner creative side.
Some memory care communities will create weekly gatherings for residents that focus on different art creations, such as creating collages to make holiday decorations for their rooms. Even creating jewelry and showcasing artwork can help boost one’s confidence (and fine motor skills!)
Making Art and Music a Positive Experience for Your Loved One
When your loved one moves into a memory care community, you want to know that they are supported and have plenty to see and experience.
That’s why adding music and art opportunities to their daily routines is so effective. It allows them to express themselves in ways that stimulate their minds and bodies while creating ways to socialize and maintain a healthy routine.
These activities help support the release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that can enhance mood and reduce stress. This has a cascading effect of positivity throughout all areas of life and ensures that loved ones have a fulfilling, active lifestyle no matter their age or stage.
Come See How Ellery Arbor Memory Care Brings The Arts To Life
Want to learn how the team at Ellery Arbor Memory Care helps residents live out their best days creatively?
We invite you to schedule a tour of our memory care community today and meet our wonderful staff and residents.
They’ll be happy to show you just how effective music and art are to memory care, and you’ll love how we’re using arts (and much more) to create a thriving community right here in Colleyville, Texas. Visit us today!
