Sensory art helps adults to live with dementia

Clients of community village have been supported in getting creative thanks to a Five Senses workshop, led by local artist Christina Milarvie Quarrell.

The care village, which has recently opened, wants to help residents feel comfortable expressing themselves while enjoying a range of activities experts have found to be ideal for those with memory loss.

Taking a sensory approach, Ms Quarrell uses the scent of essential oils in order to provoke feelings and reminiscence, before discussing memories that residents had and then asking them to express them on canvas using acrylic paints, while the workshop also included poetry.

General manager of Belong Warrington, Janine Curwell, was pleased with the effect the sensory approach had on residents, saying: “The sensory workshop and activities offered something for everybody that took part. As well as the rewarding experience of so many people in the village translating their memories into beautiful pieces of art, Christina's poetry reading also moved us. I’ve rarely heard so much laughter as when we all looked through a book of photographs of Saturday night in Glasgow, reminiscing about past times.”

Loved ones of residents were also welcome to observe the workshop, with one client’s daughter, Lesley Inniss, noting the positive effect life at the care village has had on her mother, saying

“It’s wonderful to hear my mum laughing with her new friends and watch her joining in with the activities. We were worried about the change, but she very quickly felt at home and has a better social life now than she had done in years.”