Alzheimer Spouses Re-connect Through Art

Aug. 3, 2010 - PRLog -- Raquel Farrell-Kirk has worked as an art therapist for nearly ten years. She discovered, while working in dementia specific day care centers, that her passion is using art to create meaningful connections with those with dementia. Bringing art into their days and their lives lets them express themselves, share their strengths, and know the joy and satisfaction of creating.

After working with populations ranging from special education students, to adults and adolescents in substance abuse programs and psychiatric hospitals, Raquel has chosen to focus exclusively on those in the early to middle stages of dementia and their caregivers by launching her private practice, Drawing on Strengths. It is the only dementia-specific art therapy private practice in South Florida.

Raquel is a professional member of the American Art Therapy Association and is credentialed by the Art Therapy Credentialing Board as a registered and board certified art therapist. She is also the current Program Chair for the American Art Therapy Assocation’s annual national conference and current President of the Florida Art Therapy Association

Alzheimer’s Disease slowly frays the emotional bond that decades long spouses share. When the memories of a lifetime together fade in and out for the Alzheimer partner; when their comprehension of the world around them decreases; when their ability to converse lessens, the well spouse experiences an emotional disconnect that is as painful and grief laden as death.

Log onto www.thealzheimerspouse.com, the premier website for support and information for spouses of Alzheimer patients, and read Raquel’s guest blog detailing the ability of art to help Alzheimer patients and their spousal caregivers reconnect.

# # #

"A website devoted exclusively to the unique issues faced by spouses of Alzheimer patients - a place for information, support, and message boards filled with spouses who understand the challenges that Alzheimer's Disease brings to a marriage."