Memory Care and the Power of Art

Linda Urban has been working in dementia care for 25 years and says she “can see the powerful impact art and music has on the residents.”

Urban entered the world of memory care when her father developed dementia. Her personal experiences and artistic creativity earned her a St. John’s Therapeutic Recreation Specialist role. It is at St. John’s where she met a fellow artist on one of her floors, Sara “Sally” Davis.

Davis has been at St. John’s Home for a year—initially for rehab. She is a Rochester native and attended Monroe Community College for art. After schooling, she raised her three children, Tad, Amy, and Scott.

“I am not married, I am just an old fart,” laughs Davis. “I am kidding, but my children were great.”

Though she expresses frustration for “not knowing everything,” Davis’ sense of humor and kindheartedness shines through her words and overall being. Urban quickly comforts her and starts conversing about their shared interest in art.

“You love going to the concerts and Art in the Studio,” says Urban. Davis is an avid attendee of St. John’s social recreation programs, especially Art in the Studio.

“Yes,” says Davis. “I love drawing, like little drawings.”

Urban who excels in painting and mixed media art says that Davis “just lights up when she starts to draw.”

“I just give her the supplies she needs, and she loves it.”

Davis is one of the many residents with dementia who have been able to connect with fellow residents and staff through art.

“There’s Val and Pat, they are my friends,” says Davis. “I kind of futz around here and meet people.”

The self-proclaimed social butterfly loves chatting about her family, their former dog named Frosty, and the Sunday Italian dinners she would prepare.

“They visit me a lot,” says Davis about her children. “They are great, and they loved Frosty with his little spots.”

Davis mentions that she loves all animals, which works out great because Urban will bring in her dog Opie once a week to socialize with residents.

“Anything with art, music, and pets, is just wonderful for them [residents],” says Urban.

Sara’s daughter Amy knows how important those types of activities and quality care are to her mother. As a social worker for a New Jersey hospital, Amy says she has had a great deal of experience with the healthcare system and that at St. John’s, “It is evident that everyone really cares about my mom and the other residents.”

“The facility is beautiful and clean,” says Amy. “My mom was in the rehab, which was excellent, and then moved to memory care.”

While visiting her mother to celebrate her birthday, Amy was able to see more of the care her mother receives.
“The memory care unit staff is attentive, helpful, and caring — especially nurse Alex and Dr. Pine,” says Amy.

“I wish I knew the names of all of the aides who help in the dining room and also help her to bed — they are so wonderful and kind-hearted.”

During her visit, Amy helped her mother decorate her room with more family photos and Sara excitedly told her daughter about the art she had created.

“I think it is great that she can do that [paint] here, she enjoys it,” says Amy.

Before Amy left, she made sure to bring many of her mother’s intricate drawings to St. John’s. Sara was ecstatic to see her older works, which will be on display in the TR studio’s gallery.