Ohio State students work with memory support residents to create art

DUBLIN, Ohio — For a number of weeks, Cleveland native Julia Loncar has created paintings with Sally, a reminiscence assist resident at Dublin Retirement Village. 

Loncar is in her second 12 months at Ohio State College’s Occupational Remedy Doctoral Program, and he or she stated this expertise has opened her eyes. 

“I’ve realized a lot in such a small period of time. As I stated, that is my third time, and I really feel like I’ve had so many alternatives for progress,” stated Loncar. 

That was Emily Stidam’s concept when she introduced the Opening Minds By means of Artwork program to Dublin Retirement Village. 

“It prepares the scholars to be extra aware of reminiscence care residents trigger I do know numerous them have by no means even labored with anyone that has Alzheimer’s or dementia. So it actually offers them the perception,” stated Stidam. 

Irrespective of your creative capacity, the weekly program that features a couple of dozen senior residents has discovered success bringing out some smiles and personalities of these residents collaborating. 

“Having that, like, reference to the resident was tremendous particular and simply seeing how completely happy, simply one thing so easy, simply bonding and portray collectively, might go such a good distance,” stated Loncar. 

Loncar stated she plans to graduate in Could 2024, and he or she’d like to work in a retirement village setting. 

To different Ohio State College college students who might participate within the Opening Minds By means of Artwork program, she presents this recommendation: 

“Take each second of this expertise prefer to coronary heart, actually soak all of it up,” stated Loncar.