Events

Arts & Alzheimer's, Saanich Silver Threads

South Vancouver Island

Tue. April 24th, 2012 – Tue. June 25th, 2013 10:30am - 12:30pm

Arts & Alzheimer’s

Understanding Art & Alzheimer’s
Art & Alzheimer’s engages the best practices of dementia care including socialization, interaction with others, structured routine, non-verbal activity and an expressive outlet.

Who can enjoy art & music?
• Clients with all stages of Alzheimer’s or related dementia
• Those who have been artists or musicians and those who have not

What is the Arts & Alzheimer’s program?
• A two hour art & music session with refreshment break
• Offered once a week for ten weeks
• Current Pilot program - two cycles per year, one in spring & one in fall
• Our focus: those 70% of dementia clients still living at home with a caregiver

Background
• Dementia can effect a person’s ability to communicate entrapping them in a lonely dark world
• Parts of the brain associated with art and music are the last to be ravaged by the disease
• All people have a right to express themselves for as long as they are capable

Who Benefits?
Clients with Alzheimer’s or related dementia
• Enjoy freedom of expression, social interaction and cultivation of new or renewed talents
Caregivers/Families
• Enjoy a respite from care taking duties
Artists & Musicians
• Utilize their skill to foster expression through art and music
Community
• Experiences the continued contributions of those with dementia