CREATIVITY IS IN THE MIND OF THE BEHOLDER. “Individuals with Alzheimer’s have a way of seeing things in art that we don’t see,” explains Tiffany Paige, who directs the Sacramento chapter of ARTZ: Artists for Alzheimer’s. The national nonprofit and Eskaton have partnered to bring “ARTZ Delivers” art appreciation workshops to Eskaton Memory Care communities; and this summer to coordinate public tours of Sacramento’s Crocker Art Museum and California Museum for residents of the communities.
Research documents that engaging in creative activities – like making art and touring museums – can help dementia patients with concentration and communication skills.
“Tells about the future,” said one resident when describing a painting of the American River during a recent ATRZ Delivers presentation at Eskaton Lodge Gold River. “In the picture the way things will be. All things on earth will be like they are in heaven. Keep on with your work and you will be happy,” the resident shared further.
About a painting of a rustic farmhouse, a 100-year-old resident exclaimed, “It’s the story of America. It’s where I came from. It tells about life.”
Eskaton sponsors Artists for Alzheimer’s and a number of other creative therapies in its Memory Care communities within Eskaton Village Carmichael, Eskaton Lodge Gold River, Eskaton FountainWood Lodge, Eskaton Village Roseville and Eskaton Village Placerville. Plans are being made to bring ARTZ Delivers to The Parkview in Pleasanton later this year.
