Art, Crafts, Music and Dancing = Good Results

“Art From The Heart” began about a year ago at the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA. Offered once a month, an afternoon of art and music helps people with dementia restore mental abilities and enjoy the day. The afternoon also affords caregivers respite. An outlet for entertainment and a break from daily routines ease their day.

The afternoons start with an hour of a creative art  or clever craft. The theme usually coincides with a holiday or some meaningful event in past lives. A discussion brings the participants’ focus onto how they can relate to the project. Background music softens the mood while the gathering works on the project. We arrange the seating such that guests face each other. This encourages talking and communication. After an hour, the group moves to a circle around the musician. Then the singing and dancing begins. We distribute a collection of hand musical instruments (rattles, cymbals, drums and blocks) so those present can participate, keeping rhythm to the music.

We Love to See Our Guests Regain Enjoyment of Life

One regular attendee, a darling lady, finds her voice when the music begins. She remembers all the words to the old songs that were so popular in her youth. Her eyes twinkle as she sings. And her daughters marvel at how she comes alive during the musical session. And don’t think our elders have forgotten how to shake a leg. They may not be able to do the limbo anymore, but they can dance. And they smile as they dance. And smile, and smile and smile.

One little lady is so timid, so afraid of making a mistake. Painting frightens her because she fears painting poorly. But other projects she attacks with gusto. A marble rolled through dabs of paint on art paper inside a pan brought her into action. She almost wore out that marble.

Welcome to All. Please Join Us. It’s Free.

Art From The Heart” is free, and we encourage all caregivers to bring their loved ones to our functions. We meet every second Wednesday of the month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the YMCA at 4127 W. Norvell Bryant Hwy, Lecanto. Please call for reservations, so we can have adequate seating and supplies for the art project. The phone number is 352-500-9622. The Y’s website is https://www.ymcasuncoast.org/locations/citrus-county-branch

Music In Medicine has partnered with the YMCA to facilitate “Art From The Heart.” Dementia people comprise a large part of the population our therapeutic music serves. We are delighted to be part of this activity.