Art Therapy for Dementia Care- Africans in Australia

Akoscreative

Art Therapy for Dementia Care: A Good Way to Help Anxiety in Older People. You see, we like to do things on our own. So, it feels good to help ourselves and make others happy too. But as people get older, they can start to worry more. Many older Australians feel anxious. More so, this means they feel nervous or scared.

As people age, they may find it hard to do things they used to do. Now, this can make them feel sad or worried. Even, some stop doing daily activities because they are not sure what will happen. Yet, others worry a lot about their families, even when their family helps them every day.

Signs of Anxiety in Older African Migrants in Australia

Anxiety means feeling very worried or scared. In fact, many older African migrants in Australia feel anxiety. More so, they miss their home country, family, and old way of life. So, everything feels new and different.

In fact, one sign of anxiety is staying alone. For this reason, they may stop seeing friends or going to events. Or, they stay home and feel lonely. Additonally, they may even stop looking after themselves. For instance, elderly people might forget to bathe. Yet many other lose appetite, refusing to eat, or take their prescribed medicine. And, hey feel too worried to do simple things.

Now, sleeping problems are common in older migrants in Australia. Now, they may wake up often or have bad dreams. Yet, others may feel body pain like headaches or stomach aches, but doctors may not find any sickness. In fact, older people often worry a lot about family. Even when their children help, they still worry about money, health, or their grandchildren’s future.

Did you know the elderly Africans often feel scared to learn new things? So, daily activities such as using the buse, phones, or going to the doctor is difficult for them. More so, many don’t speak English that well. Thus means, they may feel shy or afraid to talk.

Now, family love, songs from home, prayers, stories, and simple crafts can help. In fact these activities tends to make them feel safe, happy, and loved.

How Does Art Help with Anxiety?

Art helps the brain work in a nice way. For instance, when people listen to music or make art, then they start to feel calm. Yet, they don’t need to worry about doing it perfectly. They just enjoy making something, and they are happy. So, this makes art therapy for dementia care very helpful. Sometimes, people with dementia even remember songs or ask for special colors like purple or blue!

A Sense of Purpose for Dementia Care through Art

Doing art can give people with dementia something special to do. It makes them feel proud. Simple jobs like folding laundry are helpful, but making a pretty painting, a bracelet, or playing a song can bring even more joy. Finishing a craft can make them very happy.

Better Communication

As dementia gets worse, talking can be hard. But art helps people share their feelings in a new way. While painting or making music, some people smile, laugh, or even talk again. Art therapy for dementia care helps them connect with others without needing many words.

Music and Feelings

Music is very good for people with dementia. It can help them relax and feel happy. Even in later stages of dementia, people can enjoy their favorite songs. Music can bring back old memories and help them feel less sad.

Creative Fashion and Dementia

Who says you lose your sense of style with age? In fact, people with dementia still like to dress nicely. But sometimes, buttons and small zippers are too hard to use. So, caregivers often choose easy clothes like zip-up sweaters. But people with dementia should still be able to wear colorful and fun clothes they like.

Some new clothes are made for people with dementia. They are easy to put on but still stylish. Bright colors, soft fabrics like velvet, or shiny things like sequins can make clothes fun to wear. These clothes can also help bring back happy memories. You ll be surpised that clothing could be the best form of Art Therapy for Dementia Care. for your loved one.

When you know what your loved one likes to wear, you can buy more of those clothes. This way, they can always wear something they enjoy.

Good Art Activities for Dementia

Here are some great art therapy for dementia care ideas:

Collages: Cut and glue pictures of things they love, like cars, food, or animals. They can hang the art on the wall when done.

Coloring Books: Coloring helps people relax. You can find many nice coloring books online. Some have small, detailed pictures. Others have simple, happy scenes.

Painting and Drawing: Anyone can paint or draw. Picking colors and shapes helps people share their feelings without using words.

Seasonal Crafts: Make holiday decorations like Christmas ornaments, Halloween pumpkins, or Easter cards. These help people feel included and happy during special times.

All of these activities can help people with dementia feel better, calmer, and more connected to the people they love. Art therapy for dementia care brings joy and comfort every day.

Dementia Care in African Communities

I was born in Ghana. My old family members lived in Ghana too. I have visited old people’s homes where I saw how art, music, and games help older people feel happy. In these places, old and frail people listen to stories, sing songs, and play simple board games. This helps them feel calm and less worried.

In many African cultures, we love oral stories. Grandparents tell stories to children. These stories teach lessons and help everyone feel connected. For older people with dementia, hearing old stories can bring back happy memories.

Music also plays a big role. In Ghana, people sing songs of faith and hope. These songs remind them of God’s love. Singing helps people with dementia feel peaceful and brings joy to their hearts. Even when they forget many things, they still remember the songs they love.

Our Vision for Dementia Care in Ghana

In Ghana, there is a group called Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Association of Ghana. This group started in 2012. Their big dream is to help people with dementia live with honor and dignity. They teach people about dementia and try to stop the shame and stigma around it. They want people with dementia to feel safe, loved, and respected.

You can visit their page here: https://alzheimersgh.org/about-us/

More People Are Getting Dementia

All over the world, more people are getting dementia. In Africa, the number is growing very fast. In countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and others, people are now living longer. As people live longer, more people may get dementia.

By 2050, experts say the number of people with dementia in Africa could be three times bigger than today. This means we need to get ready to care for them with love and understanding.

Art Therapy for Dementia Care in Older African Australians Can Help

Many studies have been done to see how art and culture help people with dementia. Researchers found that art therapy can make people feel happier and think better. Singing, painting, and playing games can also help family members who care for them feel less tired and stressed.

One study searched many medical libraries like PubMed, PsychINFO, Embase, and others. The scientists read many articles and wrote about how art therapy helps people with dementia. You can read their work here: PMID: 36435435 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101793

Art therapy for dementia care is very important. It helps people remember, smile, and feel safe. In African communities, we can use our rich culture—music, stories, and crafts—to make life better for our older people.

Simple Art Therapy Activities for Dementia Care in African Homes

There are many easy ways to help older people with dementia at home. In African homes, we can use art, music, and simple crafts to bring joy and peace.

Singing Traditional Songs
Older people often remember songs from when they were young. Singing songs from church, school, or village events can make them smile. Even if they forget many things, they may still sing every word of the song.
Telling Stories
Telling family stories helps older people remember happy times. You can sit together and talk about when they were young, their friends, or how they met their husband or wife. You can also tell stories about farming, festivals, or village life.
Simple Crafts
Making simple crafts like beading, sewing, or weaving helps keep hands busy and minds calm. In Ghana, many people enjoy making beads or kente cloth. These activities are part of our culture and bring comfort.
Drumming and Dancing
Even light drumming or tapping can bring joy. Dancing to gentle music helps keep the body moving. Movement helps older people feel stronger and happier.
Playing Board Games
Simple games like Ludu, Oware, or card games can help keep the mind active. These games are fun and not too hard. Playing together also gives a sense of belonging.
Looking at Old Photos
Looking at old pictures of family, weddings, or village events can bring back sweet memories. It helps older people feel loved and connected.

Family and Culture Are Very Important in Dementia Care

In African homes, family is very important. Many older people live with children and grandchildren. This helps them feel safe. More so, when we use art therapy for dementia care, then we can use our strong family bonds to help our loved ones.

Culture gives us many tools—songs, stories, crafts, and games—that can be part of dementia care. These activities help calm anxiety and bring happiness.

Easy Tips for Caregivers

Be patient and kind.
Use a calm voice when speaking.
Do not rush the person.
Choose simple activities they enjoy.
Play soft music they love.
Celebrate small successes like finishing a craft or singing a song.

When caregivers use art therapy, both the person with dementia and the caregiver feel better.

The Need for More Dementia Awareness in Africa

In Africa, many people do not know much about dementia. Even, some people think it is just normal old age. Yet, others may feel shame or fear. This makes it hard for families to talk about it or ask for help.

You see, we need to teach more people about dementia. Now, when people understand it, they will not be afraid. Consequently, they will know that art therapy for dementia care can help. So, singing, storytelling, and crafts are not just fun. More so, these passtimes do help the brain, the heart, and the soul.

Groups like the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Association of Ghana are doing good work. They help families learn how to care for loved ones with dementia. They remind us that every person with dementia still has value, dignity, and honor.

A Vision of Hope in Dementia Care in Africa

We dream of a time when all people with dementia in Africa can live with joy. In homes, in communities, and in care centers, we can use our strong African culture to care for them. Songs, stories, games, and crafts can bring peace to their minds.

Let us teach more people about art therapy for dementia care. Let us work together to build a happy, safe, and loving world for our older people.

AkosCreative Message

At AkosCreative, we believe in using art, culture, and creativity to bring joy to people of all ages. Our African roots give us rich traditions that can help older people with dementia feel calm, happy, and loved. Through art therapy for dementia care, we can give dignity, peace, and hope to our elders.All of these will help improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.