Handmaker residents have been thrilled with the recent enhancements to their activity programs. New art classes and music therapy sessions are furthering the goal of enriching the lives of the older adults Handmaker serves.
Handmaker recently introduced dementia-friendly, accessible art classes in the Tynan Advanced Assisted Living, Kalmanovitz Memory Care, and Rich Long Term Care Skilled Nursing Neighborhoods, which include residents experiencing symptoms of dementia.
Martha Rast has been teaching art classes in adult care homes for over 20 years. She has an abundance of experience working with older adults with cognitive and physical impairments, including those with dementia. Martha’s art classes at Handmaker began last month in the Kalmanovitz and Rich neighborhoods and will soon begin in the Tynan Advanced Assisted Living neighborhood.
Martha began her first class with a simple project using colored markers and paper. With soulful music playing in the background, residents filled their pages with circles, slowly adding more elements of color and design with prompts from Martha. It was wonderful watching them, sometimes moving to the music, creating unique works of art. Martha learned much about the residents in these initial classes, observations that will inform what she will do in subsequent classes.
Handmaker also launched new music therapy classes in the Kalmanovitz Memory Care Neighborhood, led by Garrett Larribas of Creative Expressions.
Garrett has been teaching weekly music therapy classes at SandRuby Community Programs for several years. He uses elements from theater and dance paired with music and art to inspire and engage differently abled participants.
Garrett was a hit with residents in his first class last month. Residents had fun moving to uplifting music. Making use of props, Garret challenged their hand-eye coordination, balance, and guided them in some gentle stretching and movement. They were happy to learn that Garrett will be visiting them twice a month for the remainder of the year.
To learn more about Handmaker programs, visit handmaker.org or email [email protected].
