Wirreanda Retirement Village, NSW
Colour your world
Wirreanda's development of an art and colour therapy program has led to their Better Practice in Aged Care Award.
The concept of colour therapy has been incorporated into a number of the various diversional therapy activities run by the home.
Art and colour therapy works by contributing to changes in the resident's inner world and towards the development of more integrated sense of self, with increased self-awareness and acceptance.
The forms of art and colour therapy used in the home include:
- Snoezelen room painted blue - blue is the primary healing colour that nurtures communication and calms and assists organised communication. This is used effectively for residents with dementia and palliative care residents.
- Lounge rooms painted in pale green - calming and grounding, and pink - which opens the heart to love.
- Colour days each month - residents and staff dress in a colour, decorations and morning tea themed, light entertainment (including staff performances).
- Card making, patchwork, gardening, flower pressing, candle making, cake decorating, soft toy making - all using the concepts of colour therapy.
Staff and relatives were able to see the following changes in residents after their involvement in colour therapy:
- increased ability to express feelings, which are difficult to discuss
- increased stimulation of imagination and creativity
- development of healthy coping skills and increased concentration
- increase in self-esteem and confidence
- increased communication skills during and after art sessions due to the nature of the sensitivity of the topic
- ability to share a safe and nurturing environment
- development and maintenance of motor skills and physical coordination
- ability to identify feelings and blocks to emotional expression.
