3 Ways to Make Craft Easier for the Elderly Folk
As we reach our eighties and beyond, invariably our physical ability diminishes.
We begin to think we can no longer cope with new challenges, as we struggle to manage our daily lives.
As I work with the elderly, at our Day Centre, I see this common problem amongst our members.
I have found that the following three ways make crafting easier for them to do.
Completing a project leaves them with a great feeling of accomplishment and is a big boost to their self-esteem.
1.
Use sponging to apply paint instead of a brush.
Many elderly folk have trouble holding a paint brush, if their grip is weak.
Most painting jobs in craft can be done by using a sponge, which is undoubtedly easier to grip.
There are 2 types A plastic kitchen/bath type sponge, cut into appropriate sizes.
Cheapest option and good for larger areas - soft sponge effect.
Natural sea sponges.
More costly, but ideal for smaller work, as more rigid, and sponge effect is sharper.
2.
Use a tile as a paint palette I have found that a flat ceramic tile (we all have, or know someone with, a half box in the garage, left over from the last DIY job) A flat tile is an ideal surface.
to blob on a bit of acrylic paint.
It is easy to mix together different colours.
or add a bit of white to lighten a shade.
One tile often will do for two people to share, saving paint wastage and you need less tiles! Sponging, as above, is much easier off a flat tile, so you can "Dip, tap some paint off and then apply!" with ease.
3.
Take advantage of the huge amount of "stickers" available these days.
Paper, foam and hard acrylics (eg gems and flowers).
All self adhesive and so easy to peel and stick.
The range of designs covers all age groups, so you will find plenty to appeal to your senior folk.
They can be used to decorate many items, from Greeting Cards to Door Hangers!So get crafting and have fun!
We begin to think we can no longer cope with new challenges, as we struggle to manage our daily lives.
As I work with the elderly, at our Day Centre, I see this common problem amongst our members.
I have found that the following three ways make crafting easier for them to do.
Completing a project leaves them with a great feeling of accomplishment and is a big boost to their self-esteem.
1.
Use sponging to apply paint instead of a brush.
Many elderly folk have trouble holding a paint brush, if their grip is weak.
Most painting jobs in craft can be done by using a sponge, which is undoubtedly easier to grip.
There are 2 types A plastic kitchen/bath type sponge, cut into appropriate sizes.
Cheapest option and good for larger areas - soft sponge effect.
Natural sea sponges.
More costly, but ideal for smaller work, as more rigid, and sponge effect is sharper.
2.
Use a tile as a paint palette I have found that a flat ceramic tile (we all have, or know someone with, a half box in the garage, left over from the last DIY job) A flat tile is an ideal surface.
to blob on a bit of acrylic paint.
It is easy to mix together different colours.
or add a bit of white to lighten a shade.
One tile often will do for two people to share, saving paint wastage and you need less tiles! Sponging, as above, is much easier off a flat tile, so you can "Dip, tap some paint off and then apply!" with ease.
3.
Take advantage of the huge amount of "stickers" available these days.
Paper, foam and hard acrylics (eg gems and flowers).
All self adhesive and so easy to peel and stick.
The range of designs covers all age groups, so you will find plenty to appeal to your senior folk.
They can be used to decorate many items, from Greeting Cards to Door Hangers!So get crafting and have fun!
Source...