Two Illinois senior living communities, Mather Place in Wilmette and Terra Vista in Oakbrook, have developed robust art therapy programs that not only enrich their residents’ lifestyles but also promote mental wellness, boost self-esteem, improve motor skills and in some cases alleviate symptoms of dementia.
Art for art’s sake
Residents of Mather Place, an independent living community in Wilmette, Illinois, enjoy access to an art studio that offers painting, fiber art, sculpting and mosaics. The studio competes with a range of other activities available to the community, so program director and art therapist Emily MacArthur is always looking for ways to entice residents to get involved in the studio.