Hello, I'm an artist and this is my first time on a discussion forum, so slightly scary - don't know if I'm in the right discussion place!
My grandmother suffers from Alzheimers, and I've seen it's progression over the last 10 years in large time gaps, as we only visit her about once a year (she lives in Ireland, and my family is in the UK). My mother finds it hard to visit as we all sit round and find it difficult to know what to talk to her about, as she is so suspicious of us 'strangers'.
Now my mother is showing the first signs of dementia (she's 50) and forgetting words and what she did during the day.
I want to find out as much information as possible about how to start looking after my mother. I am hoping to calm my worry and lack of control over our futures by using my artwork as an outlet.
I usually create artworks for healthcare (hospital) environments, and have an idea to bring some interest and stimulation into the care homes of people suffering from dementia and alzheimers.
I've read on your forum some members calling these care homes "dreary" or uninspiring. Perhaps the carers and members here could give me some pointers on what sort of artwork would be most appropriate and appreciated in this environment.
Has anyone had any positive reactions to existing artwork styles, or do you think it may be possible to inculde those at the homes in the design of artworks for their own walls? I'm sure if I tried to do clay or printing with my gran she'd forget what or why she was doing it, but do you think it would still be interesting and fun for people like her to do, even if it were a challenge?
Anyway if you're interested in discussing this, I'd really appreciate some guidance, as I want to produce something which can benefit and create enjoyment for families visiting as well as people living in the carehomes.
Natasha
My grandmother suffers from Alzheimers, and I've seen it's progression over the last 10 years in large time gaps, as we only visit her about once a year (she lives in Ireland, and my family is in the UK). My mother finds it hard to visit as we all sit round and find it difficult to know what to talk to her about, as she is so suspicious of us 'strangers'.
Now my mother is showing the first signs of dementia (she's 50) and forgetting words and what she did during the day.
I want to find out as much information as possible about how to start looking after my mother. I am hoping to calm my worry and lack of control over our futures by using my artwork as an outlet.
I usually create artworks for healthcare (hospital) environments, and have an idea to bring some interest and stimulation into the care homes of people suffering from dementia and alzheimers.
I've read on your forum some members calling these care homes "dreary" or uninspiring. Perhaps the carers and members here could give me some pointers on what sort of artwork would be most appropriate and appreciated in this environment.
Has anyone had any positive reactions to existing artwork styles, or do you think it may be possible to inculde those at the homes in the design of artworks for their own walls? I'm sure if I tried to do clay or printing with my gran she'd forget what or why she was doing it, but do you think it would still be interesting and fun for people like her to do, even if it were a challenge?
Anyway if you're interested in discussing this, I'd really appreciate some guidance, as I want to produce something which can benefit and create enjoyment for families visiting as well as people living in the carehomes.
Natasha