Arts in Health
Working with Arts in Health Ocala Metro, I have the privilege of facilitating a Memory Cafe once a month for Dementia patients and their caretakers. This program offers a space for participants to engage in art activities that promote healing, connection, and wellness. My journey with art as a therapeutic tool began almost a decade ago when a dear friend was diagnosed with dementia. We would paint together weekly, creating moments of joy and healing that extended into her daily life. This experience sparked a passion that has grown as I’ve worked with other individuals and families navigating dementia. In 2022, my father was diagnosed with the illness, making this work even more personal and profound. Each session is a reminder of the power of art to touch lives, providing comfort, expression, and a sense of shared experience for those living with dementia, their caregivers, and myself as the facilitator.