THE SECOND ACT

Arts Are Alive in Senior Living Communities

By Ryan Albrechtson

“I feel like the arts during the pandemic are what got people through,” said Erin Burke, Director of Life Streams at Saint John’s Lutheran Home.

There is so much to consider when choosing a senior living community. “We build our programming around eight dimensions of wellness,” said Burke. “What we have found is that this helps people live longer and live a better life. We take our art programming and socialization programming very seriously. People want to live here.”

The arts play a huge role in the lives of residents at a variety of different senior living communities. Many of these communities have their own unique programming – whether that be through painting, crafts, music, performing, and more. “Art Therapy, I think, is different for every population,” said Shari Brzinski, an Art Therapist for Lutheran Home Senior Living. “At the Lutheran Home, we have goals of offering a creative outlet for our residents to express themselves and connect with each other.

The Lutheran Home Courtyard painted by residents of the Lutheran Home

We build on their strengths and we’re giving them an opportunity to share a part of themselves through the art making. It’s really a platform for residents to give an extension of themselves that ends up being this tangible object… a legacy for them and their families.”

These crafts can take many forms. For Brzinski, materials often include watercolor, acrylic paints, clay, and other types of craft supplies. “There is no type of art that we won’t try,” said Brzinski. “We’re really playful.”

The communities can clearly see the benefits these programs have for their residents. “The arts are very critical,” said Jeanne Morton, Executive Director of Five Star Senior Living Community. “It helps with memory retention. It helps decrease anxiety… if you have less anxiety, you won’t need as many medications. Your overall sense of health and wellness will be better. Social programming and creative work are where the joy starts.”

Brzinski’s programming at Lutheran Home has pivoted in the wake of the pandemic. While much of their classes and intergenerational programming (Lutheran Home is known for its effort to pair kids and grandfriends for a variety of projects and activities) has had to halt, the creativity is still flowing. Now, you can find Brzinski travelling between residents’ rooms with her craft cart, making art one on one and sharing it with other residents.

The same can be said for Saint John’s and Five Star as well. Residents at Five Star have begun to take virtual museum gallery tours with the help of Zoom. “This year has opened up a whole new world of exploring art for our community in that respect,” said Morton. “It’s been kind of a joy to know that there are those things out there.”

Saint John’s has taken technology in their community to a whole new level, investing in an app for residents and their own television station: Our Wellness and Lifestyle (OWL) Network. Programming has included

collaborations with local performing arts groups such as Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Renaissance Theaterworks, Early Music Now, and more.

“We also have the Saint John’s Players who put on shows,” said Burke. “Performer/Director Marti Gobel comes in and directs shows with the residents. Marti has been priceless for us during this pandemic. She’s got such a big heart and so many great ideas.”

Gobel’s work with the residents includes play analysis workshops, directing plays, and more. “Seeing local actors, even through Zoom, is comforting and a source of connection,” said Burke. “It helps our residents feel at home.”

It’s up to each resident how much or little they want to get involved in the programming their community offers. “Some residents dip their toes in because they like to be social,” said Brzinski. “You’ll see them start to finger through some of the supplies and materials and playing with them. They will try one small thing and the next thing you know they are immersed in the art making experience and they are the last ones to leave.”

“We are life long learners,” said Morton. “You can have folks from very different walks of life who can still recognize something beautiful. A lot of individuals feel like they aren’t artistic or creative, and a lot of people when they get the chance to explore are surprised to find how creative they really are. Music and art are the universal comfort. We could all use a little bit more of that right now.”

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