For the past couple of years my mum – who has dementia has
been finding textures quite fascinating especially the kitchen table which has a tiled
effect – being smooth and cold to the touch.
I realised that texture is important to her and I am in the process of
putting a few things together that will not only be stimulating but provide
some therapeutic benefit for her as well, so while she is not able to
communicate how it feels she can express it in other ways with a smile of
remembering what she used a particular material for or just go with the experience.
I have found that music is also something that she
really enjoys, and made these shakers, because music therapy is something that
can have a great impact on those who are dealing with dementia. These shakers are made from a variety of materials and I will see which one/s she prefers holding.
I made them because sound and music can have such a positive effect on our health. While I have been caring for mum for over 15
years I am still learning about dementia, how it has affected her and how it
continues to affect her as her health declines.
Loneliness and isolation is something that many elderly go through, even
those who are carers can find the role goes hand in hand with isolation. I have found that until you have experienced
dementia, or know someone who has you really don’t have any idea of the impact
it has on lives and the once simple things that you took for granted can no
longer been seen in the same light.
Duct tape shaker |
I know that it has changed me in so many ways, and talking
about the experience helps others to understand from another perspective. I have shared much in this blog and you can
find a link HERE and sharing is a good thing, even those hard to express parts
knowing that you are not along in the walk can make such a difference.
Washi tape shaker |
I made these shakers very easily with paper towel rolls and
toilet roll tube. You can fill them with
a variety of materials, pulses, dried pasta, lentils, or a mixture.
Fabric tape shaker |
It is good to experiment cause they make
different sounds depending on the size, you can cover them with whatever
material you desire, and I have used duct
tape, washi tape, fabric tape and chamois leather.
Chamois leather shaker - painted using stencils |
My favorite is the leather because of the scent
as well, and I am looking forward to seeing which one becomes mums favorite and will let you know how she gets on with them.
Do share what you create and how you use it, remember as you are a blessing you will be blessed.
Sorry to hear about your Mom. Nice to have such a caring daughter.
ReplyDeleteShe seems to like the shakers, not quite decided her favorite yet!
DeleteYou are such a caring daughter!! I love how you pay attention to your mom and try to capitalize on what pleases her. My mother-in-law suffered from dementia & then had a stroke. This was all why she was living with us. Since the stroke compromised her small muscle motor movements, we searched for ways to help her retrieve some of her abilities. One of her favorite things to do was to fine a "treasure" in a bowl of dried beans. Usually the treasure was a candy. She'd pop her hand in the bowl and feel around for the treasure. She loved the textures of the beans and having to feel for the candy helped her hands. As an alternate, we sometimes had her take one bean out of the bowl at a time ... that also worked her hand muscles. I know that your efforts are making your mom's life better!
ReplyDeleteThe beans are a great idea, its funny how something so simple can be so rewarding!
DeleteAwww you are an angel! You really move my heart by arting all those variations for her! I am sure, she will love them all! ♥ Conny
ReplyDeletePiaroms Art Journaling
I think I might have to start creating different shapes as well, she has kind of taken a shine to the leather one.
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