Art therapy for people living with Dementia

With Krista Schneider, Art Therapist

I teach artists, healthcare professionals, organizations, long-term care & retirement homes how to enhance communication and connect with those living with dementia through art.

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Do you want to offer art programming to people living with dementia, but don’t know where to begin?

Get your “Building a Dementia-Friendly Art Program” Checklist Now!

Ways to work with me:

BuildING a Dementia-friendly Art Program

A self-paced online learning course to learn how to create an engaging and meaningful program that is inclusive of all skill-levels, and cognitive and physical capabilities.

Art Lessons for Dementia

Lessons and projects that are appropriate, engaging, stimulating, and proven successful for people living with dementia.

Art Therapy Program Facilitation & consultation

I provide ongoing group art therapy programs throughout SW Ontario, as well as one-on-one consultation to help you establish your own dementia art program.

Client Feedback

  • — Lori Tinline, Recreation Manager, Village on the Ridge Retirement Home

    Residents were always very happy after leaving, even if they were having a bad day prior to attending. Krista was so kind and so patient with everyone, and you could definitely see the pride on their faces as they were showing off their work. Overall, I think this was a fun and special program for the participants that got them out of their rooms and given a safe space to be creative.

  • — Keely Warwick-Burke, Recreationist, St. Andrew’s Residence

    The individuals that participated were very proud of their work every week. Almost all of them have their work hung up in their rooms, which is absolutely amazing!

    I have noticed a great impact on some of the participants. One individual that comes to mind was having a very tough time and had been struggling with her dementia, has been very happy and her bubbly self again, which we haven’t seen in a very long time. We are very grateful for this impact.

  • — Mikaila Eskritt, Recreationist, Blenheim Community Village

    Overall, very impressed. It was a welcoming, comforting and therapeutic environment that the residents thoroughly enjoyed. The hour didn’t seem long enough, that’s how much they enjoyed it. The residents seemed more happy and relaxed after the art.  They all had positive things to say.

  • — Alten Wilmot, Artistic and Executive Director, Unwrap Theatre

    We are new to working with the dementia population and Krista was able to help us see the full potential for our project both creatively and administratively. Our conversation left us buzzing with inspired excitement. Afterward, she gave us a comprehensive report with a wide selection of avenues we can take, each accompanied by clear, actionable instructions on how we can do it.

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About Krista, Art Therapist specializing in Dementia

As an experienced art facilitator holding a graduate diploma in art therapy, I have dedicated my career to supporting those living with dementia and other cognitive changes through art.

I have been so incredibly fortunate to have spent the bulk of my career working with older adults living with dementia in various capacities.  I have also been developing and facilitating group art programs for over 20 years.

At Blue Balloon, I believe that we have the power to change the experience of a person living with dementia through art.