A COLLABORATION between Mercy Place Mandurah and local libraries will see seniors immersed in regular art appreciation sessions to encourage interaction, conversations and trips down memory lane.
Reflecting with Art hosts regular monthly sessions led by local volunteers who have been trained by Alzheimer’s WA.
Guest artists are also invited to join sessions to showcase and discuss their artworks and building connection with residents, particularly those living with dementia.
Mercy Place Mandurah service manager Christina Venables said the partnership was aimed at exposing residents to the creative process to improve their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
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READ NOW“Art therapy is a powerful way of engaging with older people and also creates a forum for them to interact with others and form relationships,’’ she said
“It’s a form of expressive therapy that can trigger memories of resident’ younger years while also helping them feel calm and relaxed and reducing feelings of confusion or stress.”
Kat Gauci from Mandurah Community Museum recently visited Mercy Place to discuss local history and explore museum artefacts from the local collection as part of the program.