The following is one of the winners from a recent competition we ran looking at end-stage dementia activities – many thanks to the team at Acer House Care Home, Weston Super Mare. We felt that the imaginative approach, combining painting and music in a sensitive activity, was both creative and meaningful. Something simple, yet rewarding that allows for self-expression at this time in people’s lives.
“Paint the Music! If the resident can sit at a table, cover the table with lining paper and secure. Using ready-mixed paint (colours of resident’s own choosing if they can indicate a preference), place blobs of different coloured paint on the paper in a completely random arrangement. Next offer the resident two paintbrushes of different sizes and textures. Then play music of various types, speeds etc. Residents will often move their hands in time with the music to create a vibrant and very interesting piece of abstract art. Can also be done by covering a lap tray with paper for those not able to sit at a table. WARNING…it can get messy so sleeves should be rolled up and clothes protected!”
Thanks to Patricia Eyre.
