Research has shown that crafting, regardless of the medium you use, can bolster mood, improve self-confidence, and reduce stress overall. In addition, crafting has also been shown to improve mental agility, improve both gross and fine motor movements, and also decrease cognitive decline.
This makes it the perfect way for carers and patients to escape from the realities of living with LTHCs and disabilities — enabling them to come together and promote mental and physical well-being whilst also enabling us to spend time together.
As we head towards Carers Week it is a great time to start thinking of ways that we utilise craft to not only thank our carers but also to introduce them to the benefits of craft. For many unpaid carers taking up a craft at home can be of real benefit and being able to do it with the person they care for makes it even more special.
These articles are a great way to understand the benefits of crafting and give you some simple activity ideas.
4 Reasons Why Craft is Good for your Mental Health: https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/stories/4-reasons-craft-good-your-mental-health
Handprint Art and Craft Ideas: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thejoysharing/handprint-art-craft/
Activities for carers to do with dementia patients: https://www.crossroadshospice.com/hospice-palliative-care-blog/2023/august/16/activities-for-dementia-patients-butterfly-craft/
How The Arts Contribute to Quality of Life in Residential Care: https://baringfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/CreativeCareHomes.pdf