When a care recipient with Alzheimer's or dementia cannot interact like they used to, how do you forge connections in a new way? That's the question Helga Strauss was faced with when she became a caregiver for her father. Seeking the joy and laughter they had always shared, she turned to visual art—and suddenly, a practice she had always loved rekindled the pathways between them.

Today, Helga is a certified therapeutic art practitioner and artist. She applies the skills she developed, while scribbling and dancing to meaningful songs with her father, to assist others in similar situations. Both caregivers and care recipients can discover the power of enjoying the moment and focusing on the process, rather than trying to "fix" or revert to a former self. The pride and joy that come from creating art foster a new way of listening, enabling self-expression and helping to process pain, ultimately rebuilding those precious shared connections.

Learn from Helga's welcoming and creative approach to caregiving:

• How a care recipient's physical and mental health can be revealed through art;
• The impact of playing songs from a care recipient's teenage years;
• The simple, flexible options available to anyone who wants to introduce art into their caregiving;
• Why everyone should try scribbling with both their hands.

Resources:

• Listen to episode 14 about the benefits of creativity - https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast/episode-14-creativity-as-a-form-of-self-care
• Explore Art for Wellness with Helga at Carr House in Victoria - https://www.eventbrite.ca/cc/art-for-wellness-3430419
• Learn more about Helga - https://www.helgastrauss.com/
• Family Caregivers of BC Caregiver Support Line - 1-877-520-3267 (Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4pm PT)

Connect With Us!

To read a full transcript of each episode, visit the Family Caregivers of BC website https://www.familycaregiversbc.ca/podcast

Visit us at our office:
#6 – 3318 Oak Street,
Victoria, BC
V8X 1R1
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Telephone: (250) 384-0408
Toll-Free Line Within BC: 1-877-520-3267
Fax: (250) 361-2660
Email: info@familycaregiversbc.ca

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Thank you!

BC Ministry of Health - Patients as Partners Initiative - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/partners/patients

Organized Sound Productions - https://www.organizedsound.ca/