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Art therapy with the frail elderly
1South Oaks Psychiatric Hospital, Amityville, NY.
The Journal of Long Term Home Health Care : the PRIDE Institute Journal
|January 3, 1995
Summary
Art therapy engages frail older adults, fostering emotional expression and life interpretation. This approach supports retained skills, enabling meaningful communication despite functional decline.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Art Therapy
- Mental Health
Background:
- Frail older adults often experience functional decline, impacting emotional expression.
- Art therapy offers a unique avenue for engagement and self-expression in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the efficacy of art therapy in engaging frail older adults.
- To highlight art therapy's role in facilitating emotional expression and life interpretation.
Main Methods:
- Art therapists utilize visual arts media and skill assistance.
- Interventions are supportive and therapeutic, focusing on retained abilities.
- Sessions can be conducted in-home or at day programs.
Main Results:
- Art therapy enables meaningful emotional expression despite functional limitations.
- Interventions augment existing skills and assets in older adults.
- Participants learn new ways to interpret life situations and communicate perspectives.
Conclusions:
- Art therapy is a valuable intervention for frail older adults.
- It promotes emotional expression, communication, and adaptive coping.
- The approach can be adapted for various settings to support well-being.