July 23, 2015
Story by Kirsten Goruk; photo by Kerry Appleton
It’s been years since Bernice Trider picked up a brush. Living in long-term care at the Fairview Health Complex, she wasn’t sure she’d ever get the chance to paint another landscape.
Trider, 89, used to paint professionally and is one of many residents taking part in the Art Therapy program at the long-term care unit.
“I’ve always been interested in art. It’s a struggle to keep at it, but I love it so much that I keep going. We all really enjoy it and it’s great to be able to do it together,” she says.
The program started up about a year ago, when staff decided to take some Telehealth training to help them lead art-focused sessions. They started by glazing fired ceramic objects and have since moved onto painting sessions, which have proved very popular among the residents.
“They come for three sessions, so the first time we work on the basic background and colours and then we add more accents and textures as we go along,” says Kerry Appleton, recreation therapist with Alberta Health Services.
“All of our residents who are able to paint or are interested in painting take part and many have never painted before.”
Appleton explains that the program helps residents build confidence and that painting is good for working motor skills and promoting physicality. There are other benefits as well.
“I think trying new things, using some creativity is therapeutic. It’s often a very quiet environment; everyone is very engaged and focused on their painting. Time flies, they forget about time and stressors, which is the point of recreational therapy,” she says.
Rita Schofield, 60, started out as a supervisor for the program, not sure that she’d be able to take part. Over time though, she found herself getting more and more involved and eventually, she was in front of a canvas.
“I was kind of surprised. I like trying to put down what’s in my mind and when I paint, it comes out the way I want it. It takes a lot of courage to really do it. We get help from the workers and it’s been really nice, they’re all very supportive,” she says.
Lately the residents have been focused on scenic landscapes. All of the artwork created is displayed on an art wall in the unit.
“It’s a nice way for them to show family and friends what they’re creating. I certainly brag about what our residents have painted,” Appleton says.
“They’ve been very happy with what they’ve been able to accomplish and what’s come out of it. Some thought they could never do it.”
