Part of what makes Alzheimer’s disease so difficult to cope with is the disheartening belief a loved one has vanished. It can be as difficult for you to recognize what remains of him or her as it is for him or her to recognize you. Kenny Higdon, owner of 5 Star Home Care, suggested art therapy as one method of engaging him or her. His company employs caregivers who help seniors and those living with a disability or recovering from an injury or illness to perform day-to-day activities.
Kenny Higdon“My heart goes out to anyone with Alzheimer’s and their family,” Higdon said. “We take care of the bathing, dressing, doing laundry, light housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation so they can concentrate their energy on reaching out and staying connected to their loved one. It may seem as if someone is gone in a mental fog, but research suggests using creativity – drawing, music, painting, sculpture and other art forms – as a therapeutic technique has a calming effect on them and allows us to interpret what is communicated through self-expression.”
The 5 Star Home Care staff understands that Alzheimer’s disease gradually diminishes a person’s ability to communicate.
“Reaching someone requires understanding and good listening skills,” Higdon said. “A person may easily lose his or her train of thought, use familiar words repeatedly or have difficulty organizing words logically. Art and music can reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.
“Although a trained professional is better skilled at using art and music in a therapeutic way, anyone can try it. Engage them on a different level while relying on 5 Star to take care of the day-to-day tasks of life.”