Parkwood Village Receives 2019 Arts in Medicine Grant

October 29th, 2019 | Press Releases

Parkwood Village has been selected as a recipient of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) 2019 Arts in Medicine grant. The memory care and assisted living residence is owned by Covenant Housing and managed by Legend Senior Living^®, a privately owned company based in Wichita, Kansas, that operates more than 40 residences in six states.

Sharon Will, Residence Director at Parkwood Village, was the driving force to secure the grant. “I was notified of the grant opportunity by the Executive Director of the Pratt Area Chamber,” she said. “The grant allows us to have two art therapy graduate students in our building twice a month to do art therapy.”

The KCAIC is dedicated to measuring, promoting, supporting, and expanding the creative industries. Through the Arts in Medicine partnership, associations, agencies, and organizations that provide medical services to Kansans work with Emporia State University’s art therapy faculty and graduate students to build a program that meets the needs of specified populations.

Will cited an article on matrix.com that said, “Recent studies suggest that seniors who participate in art therapy programs tend to not only experience less depression, but also may visit the doctor less often and require fewer medications in their daily lives. Some of those benefits include: increasing cognitive skills and intellectual stimulation, improving physical/motor skills and alleviates pain, encouraging socialization and communication, relieving stress and depression, and promoting self-awareness and self-expression.

An article on dailycaring.com, “The Benefits of Art Therapy for Dementia,” also stated that “Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia often enjoy and benefit from creative activities like art that give the opportunity for non-verbal expression. Creative activities also help reduce agitation and boost mood as well as give a sense of accomplishment and purpose.”

The program began on Oct. 2 and runs for one year. The students will work in assisted living and memory care residences. All supplies and other costs are covered through the grant, Will said.