Art & Craft
At Birchwood House, we love to encourage our residents to participate in a variety of art and craft sessions – especially at this time of year and there are so many reasons why creative activities can have a positive effect on the mind, soul – and even the body!
Many elderly people shy away from creative activities – they feel as though they are not ‘artistic’ – but every resident is given the opportunity to participate and engage in art & craft activities tailored to their ability.
As people get older, they sometimes lose the ability to communicate effectively or engage in activities that they once enjoyed, causing frustration. Crafting can help give seniors a sense of purpose, boosting their confidence. Crafting can reduce feelings of anxiety, isolation and brings about a general feeling of happiness. In fact, studies have shown that a simple activity such as painting or knitting releases the feel-good chemical dopamine, a natural anti-depressant found in the body. Working together also encourages conversation, and sometimes new friendships are born over a crafting table!
Getting creative is ideal for keeping an elderly person’s mind focused and busy. Just as with young children, something as simple as cutting and sticking or painting can help with an elderly person’s dexterity and motor skills – as well as being highly cathartic. It also helps with hand-eye coordination; following a pattern or creating a design of their own stimulates different parts of the brain.
Creative therapy is also an ideal activity for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s as painting or colouring will take them back to happy times spent as a child, or with their own children.
We firmly believe in the therapeutic benefits of the creative arts and are delighted to offer art and craft sessions for our residents – we will soon be working to design Christmas cards! To find out more about the other activities we have here on offer at Birchwood House, please get in touch…
Other articles you may like
- Gentle exercises for older adults
When we get older, finding ways to move our body can get harder. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! Using low-impact, gentle exercise is a great way to stay active without putting too much strain on ourselves. Regular movement is important for a number of reasons, not to mention the physical and mental health benefits. A recent report by Care England even showed that regular physical activity is improving the health, confidence, and wellbeing of residents in care homes, and could even deliver savings of up to £96 million to the NHS. - Mediterranean Roasted Chicken Breasts
This is a dish packed with flavour and spice. The chicken is filled with amino acids to support muscle growth and brain function, whilst the vegetables are rich in fibre and antioxidants. Both warming and filling, we’ve taken inspiration from The Cafe Sucre Farine to make this healthy, easy dinner. - How did our residents celebrate National Baking Week?
Happy National Baking Week! From Monday (October 13th) to Sunday (October 19th), we’re celebrating the joy and benefits of baking. Because, as you may have already seen on our Facebook, baking is a firm favourite at Birchwood House. Whether it’s sweet treats or savoury goods, we make sure baking is a regular activity. There are always recipes to try, techniques to learn, and opportunities to discover something new. - Baked Salmon and Creamy Chive Sauce
This baked salmon is perfect for our residents, filled with omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health and brain function. We were inspired by HelloFresh to pair it with a creamy chive sauce, which went down a treat! - How we use colour in a care home
Colour in a care home affects residents more than we think. It has a direct impact on how we view our environment, which then influences our emotions and wellbeing. And this is especially true for older adults, as colour can help our residents better move around the home, and better distinguish the objects around them. - Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Pineapple upside down cake has been around since the 1920s, and its tangy flavour hasContinue reading “Pineapple Upside Down Cake” - Birchwood House review: thoughts from the community
Birchwood House review: thoughts from the community This month, Birchwood House completed the Quality Assurance Questionnaire, a survey forContinue reading “Birchwood House review: thoughts from the community” - Tomato & Basil Tart
Tomato & Basil Tart Appetites tend to decrease in the summer, so it’s important to have meals that canContinue reading “Tomato & Basil Tart” - Sensory Stimulation
Sensory Stimulation What activities do our residents like? Sensory stimulation is essential for older people, with many activities enhancingContinue reading “Sensory Stimulation”
