Why Use Craft as a Therapy?
Explanations on why we can use craft as a Therapy.
It's understandable that there are some residents that will not benefit from an activity involving crafts.
These are usually, but not necessarily, residents with progressed dementia and residents who Refuse point blank to have anything to do with the sessions.
I put "Usually, but not necessarily" because it is not always true.
- A resident with progressed dementia may not understand the concept, or be physically able to do any of the work. However, they may still be gaining something from the experience even if they do not show any active involvement.
- A resident who flatly refuses to join in a session involving craft, may well join in with any conversations taking place in the session. And eventually may get involved even though they had refused at the beginning.
Q : Why do we provide Craft as a Therapy?
A : The definition of a Craft is :-
- A Skill in doing or making something, as in the arts; proficiency.
- An occupation or trade requiring manual dexterity or skilled artistry.
Many of the elderly have been doing craft most of their lives. Much of it has been in the mundane tasks of simply providing for themselves in order to survive.
Needlework, Cookery, Gardening, Woodworking, Textiles are all crafts in their own right and usually linked to everyday life.
Producing Cards & making gifts was not necessarily done because it was fun (although i'm sure it was enjoyable), it was generally in order to save money as it was in short supply.
The reason many of the elderly still enjoy crafts now, even though it may have been essential and mundane during their time, is usually due to the following :
- They did Enjoy it
- Generally - They know how to do it (or something similar)
- If they don't know how to do it, some are willing to learn. (You can teach an old dog new tricks)
- It Brings up conversations.
- It Brings up Reminiscing.
- It challenges.
- It helps with Dexterity.
We provide Craft as a therapy because it provides :
- Enjoyment gives Good spirits
- Recognition - With recognition comes reminiscing.
- Learning new skills give Achievement.
- Conversation encourages interaction.
- Reminiscing - stated as is.
- Challenge Engages the mind.
- Dexterity helps with coordination. ------------------------------------------------
- The end result equals good welfare for the client.