What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to increase wellbeing and quality of life for people with dementia. 

By blending psychology and creativity, art therapy provides a different avenue for self expression – one that doesn’t necessarily rely on words. 

It’s a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. 

Art therapy is increasingly being used in the aged care and disability sphere, helping foster communication and connection. Through creative forms such as painting, drawing, and sculpting, a person with dementia can use art therapy to communicate thoughts and emotions.

What are the benefits of art therapy for dementia?

There are many potential benefits from art therapy. 

Just as research showed in participants with acquired brain injuries, people with dementia may find it easier to communicate and express themselves through art than other forms of communication.

This is because art is non-linear, meaning it doesn’t require you to express your thoughts in an ordered way. Creative thinking taps into something intangible that can often still be accessed long after other cognitive processes have declined.

Individuals can explore sensory, perceptual, kinesthetic and symbolic opportunities for self-expression and connection. Improvements in perception, emotional regulation, and behaviour have all been reported as a direct link to art therapy. 

Additional benefits include an increased sense of self-empowerment, improved interpersonal skills, and an increased sense of meaning and purpose. 

Dementia Art Therapy has been shown to enrich quality of life by:

• Decreasing depression

• Lifting mood

• Improving cognition

• Increasing sociability.  
  

The inherent qualities of art making – self-soothing, sensory experiences that promote a sense of calm and wellbeing – help to lessen anxiety. 

Plus, the physical artwork that is produced can be shared, offering opportunities for dialogue and the strengthening of connections with others.

Art Therapy and dementia research

So does Art Therapy have quality of life benefits for people living with dementia?
The short answer is yes! 

The World Health Organisation synthesised the findings from over 3,500 published studies on the connection between the arts and health.  

The report concluded that art is – and should be – firmly recognised as integral to health, healthcare provision and healthcare environments. 

For people with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, engaging with the arts has been found to improve:

• Mental health

• Resilience

• Social support

• Communication

• Physical function.  

This includes autistic spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, stroke, degenerative neurological disorders and – importantly – all forms of dementia.

The WHO report also found that the arts may help the care sector more broadly by:

1. Providing avenues for multisectoral, holistic and integrated people-centred care
2. Addressing complex challenges with no current healthcare solutions. 

While the evidence-base is sometimes seen as less established than practices which lend themselves more readily to measurement and duplication, the WHO Report found that the benefits could be furthered through acting on the growing evidence base.

Dementia Art therapy with Focus Care

Focus Care provides personalised on-one-one art therapy sessions, as well as group art courses. Our art therapy sessions are facilitated by ANZACATA registered Art Therapists and are offered in safe and nurturing environments.

Our art therapists have experience working with people living with dementia. 

Art therapy is available as part of your NDIS plan, or Home Care Package. It is also offered privately. One-on-one art therapy sessions can be held in your own home, at our Sydney or Melbourne offices, or remotely via Zoom.

To learn more about art therapy with Focus Care – or any other creative therapy services we offer – get in touch today.