Crafting holds quite an extensive amount of power to help heal  both the body and the mind.  The key is to find the proper craft for the type of illness or injury it is being used for in a therapeutic manner.

 

Depression is not only for the young.  The elderly probably experience it as much if not more then young individuals.  A debilitating handicap extending from a stroke opens the door to depression once the realization sets in that there is no such thing as a normal routine anymore.  Then there is also losing friends, or a spouse, or having to leave the home they have know all their lives to go to a place where they know nobody.  Other illness in the elderly also requires some form of therapy to keep the mind active.  Parkinson's is one disease which requires constant stimulation of the mind to keep it as alert as possible for as long as possible.

 

Crafting also works as an aid to strengthen eye and hand co-ordination and muscle tone after a surgery.  It also is a great way to keep arthritis from setting in completely.  With all the choices available in crafting tools, there is a craft that will work for almost all arthritics.  One such craft is latch hooking.  The ball, or handle is shaped like an oval ball which is easy for the arthritic to hold.  Both men and women love to latch hook. 

 

Crafting can be quite a universal therapy when it comes to the medical and emotional well being of both the young and the elderly.

 

This is not easily answered, but with a few ideas, you should be able to sort out what will work the best.

 

1: Depression requires projects that are capable of producing an alternative thought pattern. They should be a project that is not difficult or needing more then one day to complete whenever possible.  The accomplishment of completing a task actually is a positive reinforcement which contributes to a more positive outlook.  Altering a thought pattern opens the door to improvement even on a small scale.  Natural therapy for depression includes crafting.

 

     Beading a piece of jewelry

     Stamping

     Scrap-booking or altered art

     Leather punch

     Building something, like a bird house or bird feeder.

  

2: Physical Therapy for those recovering from stroke or surgeries.  These are mainly for regaining flexibility or dexterity. 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: We do not recommend any therapy or activity without the expressed order of a physician.  What works for one individual may not work for the next person.  Know limitations and conditions before any therapeutic treatments, natural or otherwise, are put into action.  Physical therapy is far different for each individual too.  Once released from physical therapy and encouraged to continue at home, then find crafts geared for the ability of the person.