Colouring-in is back in fashion and popular, at least, at Villa Maria Catholic Homes Providence aged-care home in Bacchus Marsh where residents have been embracing the benefits of colouring-in for the past six weeks.
Lifestyle co-ordinator Colleen Bushall said the Colour Me Calm program had become extremely popular with the 57 residents.
“We didn’t know what to expect when we started the program, but now we’re running sessions almost daily,” she said.
Ms Bushall said the benefits of colouring-in included decreased stress levels, increased concentration, promotion of co-ordination and fine motor skills, and the recovery of positive childhood memories.
“We have one resident who doesn’t really participate in activities,” she said. “However, after some encouraging to give colouring-in a go, he’s now very interested and can sit and colour all afternoon.”
Resident Kata Mijailovic said the activity had improved her quality of life.
“My arm is sore but I can do little bits at a time,” she said. “My life has changed and now I can colour when I want. It makes me very happy.”
Kata’s daughter, Daniyelle Bartlett, said she had noticed a change in her mother since she started colouring.
“This wonderful activity allows Mum to use her motor skills while keeping her focused on the activity and keeping her anxieties at bay,” she said.
Ms Bartlett said the program had given her mother a sense of achievement as she enjoyed showing her grandchildren her beautiful works of art.
By Neslim Djemal
