Crafts for Parkinson’s patients are great complementary therapy for those suffering from such a challenging disease.
Parkinson’s disease (1) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor function, which may cause problems in an individual’s daily living and affect one’s sense of individuality.
Activities for Parkinson’s patients, such as art therapy, may improve their way of life (2) by improving physical symptoms and delaying cognitive impairment.
Here are some of the recommended creative activities for Parkinson’s patients that are easy to do and can help improve their motor skills and way of life.
Table of Contents
1. Origami
Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, is a safe way to encourage patients to maintain their motor skills while creating different works of art.
Check out these simple origami projects.
The Benefits Origami for Parkinson’s Patients
Improves Fine Motor Skills: Engaging in the precise hand movements required for origami can help with dexterity and hand-eye coordination, often impaired in people with Parkinson’s (Art therapy for People with Parkinson’s Disease) (American Parkinson Disease Association).
Enhances Concentration: Following the detailed steps in origami can help improve cognitive functions, such as focus and attention, and can be beneficial in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s . (ParkinsonsDaily.com).
Reduces Stress: The meditative and calming nature of origami can provide a therapeutic effect, helping reduce anxiety and stress levels. Creative activities like origami can offer an emotional outlet and help with overall mental well-being .
Boosts Self-Esteem: Successfully completing an origami project can give a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and providing a sense of purpose. This is really important for individuals dealing with the challenges of Parkinson’s (See also benefits of physical therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease).
2. Painting
Painting is an excellent method for self-expression.
It showcases one’s creative pursuit, and for patients with Parkinson’s disease, seeing an art therapist may even help. Karen’s personal story highlights how she manages her Parkinson’s disease and the benefits of painting to managing her disease and mindset.
Painting is reported to have helped control tremors (3) in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Watercolor is said to be the medium of choice since it requires minimum physical pressure.
The Benefits of Painting for Parkinson’s Patients
Improves Fine Motor Skills: Like Origami Painting can help improve dexterity and coordination. The precise movements required to hold a brush and make controlled strokes can strengthen the muscles in the hands and fingers, which is particularly beneficial for those with Parkinson’s (Art therapy for people with Parkinson’s Disease ) (American Parkinson Disease Association).
Enhances Cognitive Function: Painting involves planning, concentration, and creativity, which can help maintain and improve cognitive functions. The mental engagement required for painting provides a stimulating challenge that helps keep the mind active (see also benefits of physical therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease).
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: The process of painting can be therapeutic, offering a calming and meditative experience. It allows individuals to express their emotions and can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression (ParkinsonsDaily.com).
Promotes Social Interaction: Joining people in painting classes or group art sessions can encourage socialization. This helps reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and provides opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests (see also benefits of bike therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease).
Check out this video to see how painting helped one individual fight Parkinson’s disease.
TRY READING: Crafts for Seniors with Low Vision
3. Clay Art
Clay art is considered one form of therapy (4) for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.
A study showed that clay manipulation can indeed improve hand dexterity, mood, and the quality of life in persons with Parkinson’s Disease.
4. Scrapbooking
Creating a scrapbook is a craft that a person with Parkinson’s Disease can engage in and is also considered an artistic activity. Much like how switch games for elderly individuals can provide entertainment and cognitive stimulation, scrapbooking can be an enriching experience.
Creating a scrapbook encourages them to remember and talk about memories they’d want in their scrapbook. It keeps them engaged in conversation with other people.
Check out this video for some scrapbook ideas.
5. Macrame
Macrame is an artistic craft that involves tying cords or strings, into patterns to create both decorative and useful pieces. With its roots tracing to the Arabic weavers of the 13th century, macrame has become a beloved pastime for many.
The array of items one can fashion through macrame is amazing ranging from wall decorations, plant holders and stylish jewelry, like bracelets and necklaces to items such as bags, curtains and table runners. This craft not only delights the eye, but also provides therapeutic advantages, making it a great choice for those seeking to refine their motor skills and concentration.
Thanks to a selection of materials like cotton cords, jute and hemp at your disposal, the realm of possibilities in macrame is boundless offering room for creativity and personal touch, in every project.
It’s great for physical therapy.
These can train coordination and dexterity in patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
Learn more about the basic knots that you can use in macrame from this video.
6. Coloring Pictures
Coloring printed pictures is another artsy activity that individuals with Parkinson’s can participate in.
Many coloring pages can be printed out for individuals so they can use them to train minor hand movements.
7. Cross-stitching
Simple cross-stitch patterns can be a fun and relaxing social activity that can help train minor motor skills in people with Parkinson’s disease. You may think this is impossible but read this inspiring story about 2 women with Parkinson’s and their determination to complete their project, it’s inspiring! The moment of truth
You can choose patterns that aren’t so complicated to do.
The ones with patterns for beginners can easily be done by anyone with Parkinson’s Disease who wants to learn cross-stitching.
8. Sewing
Break out that sewing machine and create a simple project like pillowcases or table runners.
Sewing encourages fine motor skills in your fingers so they don’t stiffen up, a condition commonly felt by many with Parkinson’s Disease.
Check out this Instagram link for great sewing machine hacks by Mix Diversity that can be used by people with Parkinson’s disease to assist their sewing creations.
9. Paper Mache
Creating items using paper mache is relatively easy and can be done by anyone with Parkinson’s Disease.
Coordination, as well as fine motor skills, can be honed using paper mache techniques.
You can easily create anything from masks to bowls or practically any decorative item you can think of.
They are relatively easy to make; and the simplicity is enjoyed by people with this disease.
10. Recycled Paper Weaving
This is another relatively easy project to make using paper strips from recycled paper. To finish, you will need glue or tape.
11. Marbling Bottles
Create lovely marbled bottles using nail polish. This easy-to-do project is excellent for creating decorative bottles that you can use as flower vases or even candy jars.
12. Latch Hook
Latch hook projects make use of precut yarns and a mesh.
The simple, repetitive motion uses fine and ordinary motor skills to create rugs or even simple wall decors.
13. Balloon Stamping
Use different kinds of balloons and some paint to create wonderfully designed cards and even wall decors.
Holding balloons and using them as stamps encourages the individual to be creative while encouraging controlled movement.
Check out this video on how to do balloon stamping.
14. Lego Bricks Model Building
Lego Bricks are an amazing tool to help with hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and manual dexterity.
The Duplo range of Lego bricks is larger, making it much easier to grip and handle. Putting together Lego bricks of various shapes and sizes requires precision and control, making it an excellent exercise for fine motor skills.
This activity encourages older adults to practice movements that can help keep their fingers nimble and their minds focused.
FAQs
Can painting help Parkinson’s?
Yes. Painting can be very relaxing, and it can also encourage creativity. More than dexterity and fine motor skills are trained during painting.
Does Parkinson’s Disease get cured?
Sadly, no. Crafts are encouraged to improve on some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease but not altogether remove them.
Parkinson’s Disease is a challenging disease that affects an individual’s motor skills.
It may hamper an individual from engaging in physical activities in its advanced stages.
Crafts for Parkinson’s patients are considered complementary therapies recommended to delay the progression of symptoms, making the individual feel they have not lost their sense of control.
These creative pursuits can significantly relieve the person of emotional stress and encourage social interaction when done in groups.
All these benefits improve their physical and psychological well-being.
What are your favorite crafts for seniors who have Parkinson’s? Please share below!
Resources
- 1. National Institute on Aging. Parkinson’s Disease [Internet]. National Institute on Aging. 2017. Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-disease-causes-symptoms-and-treatments
- 2. Art Therapy to Improve Parkinson’s Symptoms [Internet]. ParkinsonsDisease.net. 2018. Available from: https://parkinsonsdisease.net/research-studies/art-therapyhttps://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-disease-causes-symptoms-and-treatments
- 3. Art Therapy for People Living with Parkinson’s [Internet]. Davis Phinney Foundation. 2017. Available from: https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/art-therapy/
- 4. Bae Y-S, Kim D-H. The Applied Effectiveness of Clay Art Therapy for Patients With Parkinson’s Disease. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine. 2018;23:2515690X1876594.
