Painting Created by a Resident with Alzheimer's
Memories in the Making is the Alzheimer's Association Art Program for people suffering from any type of dementia. As they lose their ability to communicate verbally they are offerred an opportunity to do so through painting.
As the coordinator of the MIM Program for Colorado Springs, CO I lead two training sessions each year for the care community staff and volunteers to learn how to facilitate the art groups. Last thursday Viewpoint Senior Living center hosted us and part of the day was spent learning and practicing some basic watercolor techniques.
On of the staff showing off her painting - at my request. Many of the facilitators are new to watercolor themselves so we want to get them feeling comfortable with the medium first.
At the end of the training everyone pairs up and role plays - one as the leader and one with dementia of some kind. In each Memories in the Making session inspiration for painting is provided to the artists as an object or a photo of something to encourage them to paint. Grapes are wonderful to use because they are made up of many small cirlces - something that is easily understood.
A big thank you to everyone who braved the snow to come to the training - the Memories in the Making program would be nowhere without the wonderful help of our facilitators!
