Finding Creativity for Your Elder in Unexpected Places

“What happens in knitting group stays in knitting group.” Seriously? What crimes could possibly be committed in knitting group?

Perhaps not crimes, but lots of interesting stories and long held secrets emerged while needles clacked. What? I can’t tell, because, what happens in knitting group…

Last week we looked at the benefits of creativity for elders, especially those with dementia. For the next few weeks, we will look at some specifics. I’m going to paint creativity with a large brush (sorry for the pun) and look at a broad spectrum of ideas. Many won’t work for your elder, but if even one does, it may lead to joy.

First, remember a few principles:

1. Long term memory lasts far beyond short term memory, so an ability, skill or craft your elder had many years ago may still be possible. 
2. Most creative endeavours can be modified to fit the present abilities of your elder.
3. Desires change. Something your elder loved to do for years may not be of interest to them any more. Or it may. Let them take the lead in this.

Ideas for Creative Fun

Knitting/Crocheting

Of course I had to start with knitting group. This circle of ladies met once a week. When I first started, I used donated wool, but I quickly discovered that odd colours and textures that didn’t go together inspired no one. I went to a craft store and bought several balls of beautiful coloured yarn in a soft, comfortable wool. When the ladies saw it, they were delighted. We knit squares–20 stitches and 20 rows. If they made mistakes, I fixed them after class. One of my best knitters was a blind lady who knitted by feel and never dropped a stitch. When we had enough squares, I took them home and crocheted them together. Then we had a tea and made a big show of presenting our work to the convenor of the Christmas sale. 

Card games

It amazed me how Julia, who lived with advanced dementia and anxiety, could not only still play euchre, but often beat her daughter who came in to play with her. Even bridge players who had done it all their lives were able to continue to play for some time. 

Reading

Perhaps you think I’m stretching it to include this, but reading takes you to other worlds and brings you into the lives of fascinating people. Even those who are still able to read may enjoy being read to, and others, because of their dementia, or sight issues, may find it fun. Ongoing stories of interesting characters work well, especially if they are from the same era as your elder. “All Creatures Great and Small,” the story of a vet in England before antibiotics were invented, is a good one. A familiar tale like “A Christmas Carol” at Christmas brings back memories, and another one I read every Christmas was “Dave Cooks the Turkey” by Stuart McLean. We all convulsed with laughter over Dave’s attempt to prepare the meal. If you read an ongoing story, those with dementia won’t remember week to week, but a short re-cap brings them into the action. We often spent time discussing after.

Tinkering

If your elder enjoyed spending time under the hood, imagine their joy if they could do that with you. Cars today aren’t the same, but at the least, ask their advice. And what about small appliances? Pick up a toaster at Goodwill and have them tinker with it (remove the plug first!)

Growing things

If your elder was a gardener, plant some seeds together. Or, buy an amaryllis bulb, which you can see growing daily. In summer, plant a patio garden in raised planters. Lettuce grows quickly, and picking your lunch feels wonderful.

We will look at more ideas for creative endeavours next week. In the comments, tell us some of your own. 😀

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