ExtraCare's Locksmith® Amanda Gallacher, who works with
residents living with dementia as part of the Enriched
Opportunities Programme®, said everyone who went found the day very
therapeutic.
"Art therapy can combat the depression often felt by people
experiencing Alzheimer's," she explained. "Looking at Nature Art
can reduce stress and anxiety, increase trust and confidence and
can be a positive distraction."
The residents discussed their favourite paintings, had a spot of
lunch, and went to see the Saxon gold. Residents Gladys McCleary
and Ivy Cliff even completed a rub over a picture of Saxon
Stone.
Amanda has arranged for art therapy sessions to start at the
Stoke-on-Trent retirement village. "Art Therapy can have profound
effects in enabling you to get in touch and express your feelings,
while at the same time being stabilising, because you are handling
physical materials," she said.
Did you go on the trip? Tell us all about it on Facebook!
For further information, please contact:
Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk