Why Arts and Crafts Sessions are so Useful for the Elderly

This article looks at how and why regular arts and crafts sessions can benefit elderly people, particularly those who are residents in a care home. There’s also a brief rundown of the type of sessions laid on at Baxendale Care Home.

It will take between three and four minutes to read.

One of the cornerstones of the activities we provide for our residents at Baxendale Care Home are our regular arts and crafts sessions. Here we outline the benefits they bring to everyone involved – whether they are physical, mental or social.

Baxendale Care Home – a 24-Hour Dementia Care Home in North London

At Baxendale, we lay on sessions in painting, knitting and flower arranging, among other artistic activities. They are suitable for all abilities, and residents are always free to participate as much or as little as they like.

These activities are just one small element of the programme we provide for residents – including gentle chair exercises, outside visits, concerts from visiting musicians or our own singing sessions around the piano, or games such as quizzes or bingo. For a sample week of our activities, check out this link.

The Physical Benefits

Activities like painting and knitting require dexterity and good hand-eye co-ordination. These gentle movements help maintain or even improve joint mobility, grip strength, and overall physical flexibility.

More specifically, the repetitive motions and gentle stretching which are a part of most craft activities can increase the residents’ range of movements, decrease joint stiffness, and help manage symptoms of arthritis. And the physical engagement and hand movements associated with creative activities improve blood flow and circulation to all parts of the body.

The Mental Benefits

These are even more numerous than the physical benefits. Crafting acts as a powerful form of self-expression and stress relief. It triggers the release of dopamine (the so-called “feel-good” hormone), which helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Projects that require planning, following instructions, and problem-solving help keep the brain active, which can delay cognitive decline and improve memory retention. This is particularly important for any resident who is suffering from dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society recommends a number of arts and crafts – such as paper flower-making and card colouring – as this keeps them happy, calm and focused.

As a 24-hour dementia care home in North London, Baxendale also has a specialist unit which cares for those with the condition. This includes a sensory room, which is particularly beneficial for those with dementia, although all our residents are welcome to use it (and many do).

The Improved Self-Esteem

And completing a tangible piece of art gives residents a sense of pride and purpose, which boosts self-esteem and maintains a feeling of productivity. This can be particularly true if the piece of artwork is viewed by a wider audience and not just fellow residents and loved ones.

At Baxendale Care Home, we have entered residents’ pieces in the national Art in Care Homes event, which takes place every September and is organised by NAPA, the National Activity Providers Association.

The Social Benefits

Participating in any arts and crafts activities helps to combat loneliness and reduce social isolation. And if the activity is a collective rather than an individual one, then working together can stimulate communication, help to build a strong sense of camaraderie, and help residents feel like valued members of a community.

For individuals living with dementia or facing verbal communication challenges, arts and crafts offer alternative, non-verbal ways to express emotions and engage with others.

The Sessions Benefit Staff and Loved Ones Too

Artistic activities in care homes transform the normal environment into a vibrant, shared space. It directly benefits care staff by reducing resident agitation, which makes caregiving duties easier. Residents’ friends and family can also take pride in their loved ones’ efforts rather than worrying about their condition.

Contacting Baxendale Care Home

If you would like to learn more about Baxendale Care Home as a whole – not just the various activities – you can click here and fill in the online form, or call us on 020 8445 1127. You can also email info@baxendalecare.org.uk.

FAQs

Q: Does Baxendale offer any specialist care other than for dementia sufferers?

A: Yes, we do. We also offer long- and short-term care (including respite care). The latter is ideal if, for instance, you are recovering from an operation and you have a timeframe for your recovery. For more information on the differences between our long-and short-term care, check out our previous post here.

Whatever reason you have for joining us, all our residents benefit from the same high-quality care. We are a 24-hour caring home in Whetstone as we provide care around the clock – our shifts are split into three eight-hour blocks every day.

Q: What other types of arts and crafts are particularly beneficial for elderly people (who may not be care home residents?

A: Adult colouring books are an accessible activity that promotes focus and relaxation. The defined lines reduce the frustration of starting from a blank canvas, while the colouring-in process stimulates the brain.

And collage-making uses pre-cut paper, photographs and fabric, which eliminates the need for precise drawing skills. This craft is highly customisable and can be used for life-review and memory-prompting therapies.

Q: Does it cost anything to take part in any of our arts and crafts sessions?

A: No, you do not pay extra for arts and crafts sessions. All supplies, materials, and equipment required for crafting sessions are included in the standard residency costs.