Get to Know the Role of Art Therapy in Palliative Care!

 

Palliative care is a complete approach to improving the quality of life for seniors with serious illnesses, focusing on providing relief from the symptoms and stress that come with them. In recent years, various additional therapies have been combined into palliative care to identify the emotional and psychological aspects of suffering. One such therapy that has gained a reputation is art therapy. In this blog, we can learn the role of art therapy in palliative care, highlighting its benefits, especially for cancer patients, and giving clarity on how it finds a valued place in the care provided at centres like Athulya Palliative Care in Bangalore, which comes under Athulya Senior Care.

Understanding Art Therapy:

Art therapy is like psychotherapy that uses the imaginative process of making art to improve and increase the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of seniors. It allows them to express themselves in ways that might be difficult with words alone. This therapeutic approach is based on the idea that the imaginative process involved in artistic self-expression can help seniors develop self-awareness, manage symptoms of illness, and find their feelings and emotions.

Art Therapy for Cancer Patients:

Cancer is a difficult and emotionally straining condition that affects both the patient and their families. A major factor in helping cancer patients on their journey is art therapy. It gives them an imaginative way to deal with the anxiety associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Art therapists work closely with patients to identify their emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve their overall well-being.

Benefits of Art Therapy for Seniors:

1. A Path to Emotional Expression: 

Seniors dealing with serious illnesses often face a mixture of emotions like fear, anxiety, sadness, and even anger. Art therapy provides them with a non-verbal opportunity to express these feelings safely. Our social workers at the facility help seniors in painting and drawing so that they can express their emotions, bringing clarity and relief to their inner problems.

2. Pain Management and Distraction:

Chronic pain is a common partner in palliative care. Our healthcare professionals are trained to effectively manage pain and reduce distressing symptoms associated with serious illnesses. Through proper medication management and art therapies, they ensure that seniors are as comfortable as possible. Engaging in art activities serves as a powerful diversion that helps to divert attention from pain in the body. This activity provides seniors with short moments of relaxation and relief, which helps them feel better overall.

3. Motivating a Sense of Control:

Seniors who suffer from serious illnesses frequently lose control over their lives. Our palliative care team offers emotional support, counselling, and company to help seniors navigate these difficult emotions. By using art therapy, they regain some control. Seniors are given the freedom to decide on their artistic method, colours, and subjects, giving them back some control over a small part of their lives.

4. Encouraging Thinking and Meaning-Making:

Seniors are encouraged to think back on their lives and the events that have formed them by creating art. Our palliative care services are designed to preserve the dignity and individuality of each senior. They create a comfortable and supportive environment where seniors can age peacefully. So, being involved in art therapy gives them a chance to think and find importance in their life stories and end-of-life journey.

5. Improving In Communication:

For seniors who may have difficulty communicating verbally due to their condition or treatment, art therapy becomes the other language. It enables them to communicate their thoughts, emotions and needs to caregivers and loved ones, promoting better understanding and connection. Our palliative care team coordinates care among various healthcare providers, ensuring that seniors receive the right treatments at the right time. This simplified approach minimises confusion and ensures an organised care plan. 

6. Building Supportive Communities: 

Group art therapy sessions provide a basement for seniors to interact with their fellow mates who are on similar journeys. These sessions create a sense of unity and support thereby reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Moreover, our palliative care specialists help families better understand the senior's situation and how to support them, they offer education and counselling. This makes sure that senior citizens and their families are prepared to tackle any difficulties they face. 

7. Increasing Overall Quality of Life:

We focus on improving the overall quality of life for seniors. By identifying physical, emotional, and social needs, we aim to provide a fulfilling and meaningful life experience, even in the presence of a serious illness. So, the art therapy that our social workers conduct contributes to an overall increment in the quality of life for seniors in palliative care. It offers them moments of joy, fulfilment, and peace, making their journey more comfortable and meaningful. 

8. Preserving a Record:

Our palliative care team assists seniors in making end-of-life decisions, including advanced care planning. By doing so, we ensure that the senior's wishes are respected, reducing stress and feelings for both the senior and their family. So, Art therapy allows seniors to leave behind a visual record of their creativity and thoughts for their families and loved ones. These creations become treasured memories and the right way to remember and honour the senior's life.

Thus, Art therapy is a powerful tool that brings comfort and peace to seniors facing serious illnesses. Its role in palliative care, such as that offered at Athulya Palliative Care in Bangalore, cannot be said. By holding the emotional and psychological extent of suffering and providing support through creative expression, art therapy contributes drastically to the entire well-being of patients, uplifting their lives during challenging times. 

Furthermore, Athulya also recognizes the importance of total care for seniors with dementia. So, they have combined art therapy into their dementia care programs to improve the well-being and quality of life of their residents. They understand that seniors with dementia have different emotional and psychological needs that extend beyond medical care. Art therapy enriches the lives of its residents, offering them moments of joy, self-expression, and connection with others.

 

The links of the related blogs as given below:

1. https://athulyaassistedliving.blogspot.com/2023/08/enhancing-quality-of-life-social.html

2. https://www.athulyaliving.com/blogs/untold-story-mental-wellness-palliative-care.php

3. https://www.athulyaliving.com/blogs/explore-role-spiritual-care-palliative-care.php