Engaging the Creative Spirit

Harmony:

Music is a near-universal language. Our Art of Reflections program includes both individualized and group approaches to the enjoyment and benefits of music. We create customized playlists for residents for the times they prefer to enjoy music on their own, and we employ the power and energy of hand-drums and bells and singing for our lively group sessions. The Harmony program is offered to help promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, enhance memory and provide unique opportunities for communication and interaction. And it’s fun, too!!

Art of Reflections:

This program puts a paintbrush in the hands of residents who have Alzheimer’s or other memory impairment. The results are amazing. Residents who have struggled with even the most modest tasks of everyday living have astounded all of us with their creative spirits and wonderful creations.

Through the creativity that is unlocked and presented through colors and patterns, the residents are speaking to us with incredible beauty and grace – proving that a picture is indeed worth a thousand words.

Reflections Stories Example:

A Day at the Park

It is a lovely day at the park. There was so much to do. My sisters and I had fun swinging on the swings and seeing how high each of us could go. But our favorite part was going down the slide together. We took turns going forwards and backwards, then we all decided to go down together in line with our arms out. It took us a few tries, but we finally did it perfectly.

Reflections Stories:

Telling stories is an age old tradition. At Gateway Gardens, we engage residents who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss in getting together and creating entertaining stories, often drawing on personal experiences and memories. Residents gather in small groups and take turns describing a picture – telling a facilitator what they see and what they imagine is happening in the picture. This combines reminiscing with creativity to develop a unique story that is written down and shared with the entire community. Words and pictures are combined to present the completed tale.