What Are Some Crafts for People with Parkinson’s?

Living with Parkinson’s can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to daily activities or hobbies requiring fine motor skills like crafting. While these changes can be frustrating, some creative planning can make it easier for your loved one to enjoy their favorite activities.

Fortunately, conditions like Parkinson’s can be managed, and by making small adjustments, you can help a loved one find ways to adapt and keep their creative spark shining.

Many crafts are ideal for those living with Parkinson’s disease. Some options include large-brush painting, clay sculpting, and fabric crafts. You can make minor alterations to make these activities even easier for your loved one!

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition. It primarily affects motor function due to a decline in dopamine production. As the disease progresses, it eventually causes tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and impaired balance.

The condition impacts more than just physical abilities. It influences emotional and cognitive health over time. Engaging in activities that offer stimulation and a sense of accomplishment are essential to enriching quality of life as their capabilities change.

How Parkinson’s Disease Affects Motor Function

One of the most well-known symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is its effect on fine motor skills. Everyday skills, like buttoning a shirt or holding a pen, can become difficult due to tremors, stiffness, and coordination challenges.

These symptoms may also fluctuate. Some days, these symptoms are more prominent, which can feel frustrating for your loved one. When your loved one plans to enjoy their favorite activities, you may need to step in and make some adjustments.

Fortunately, many activities, such as crafts for seniors, are easy to alter. With some small changes, your loved one can focus on larger, easier movements and use tools designed for accessibility.

Crafts for People Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Creative activities can provide a sense of relaxation and achievement. They also promote dexterity and motor function, which is excellent for preserving movement essential for daily activities. Get started with these fun activities for seniors with Parkinson’s disease.

Painting with Large Brushes

Painting is an excellent medium for self-expression. Using wide-handled brushes can help accommodate tremors or an unsteady grip. You can help keep the activity stress-free by focusing on abstract designs or freeform color exploration. 

If your loved one has worries about the canvas, you can try an easel with locks to secure everything to a stable foundation.

Bead Stringing

Large beads and sturdy cords can make jewelry-making more accessible. This activity also encourages hand-eye coordination and concentration, making it an engaging choice for people with Parkinson’s.

Collage Art

Collaging is a creative way to piece together memories or tell a story. You can support accessibility by providing pre-cut materials like:

• Magazines
• Photographs
• Fabric scraps
• Colored paper
• Stickers
• Photo tape or glue dots

Let them unleash their inner artist with safe, mess-friendly projects that allow for complete creative freedom.

Clay Sculpting

Working with soft, malleable clay can improve hand strength and allow creativity in forming shapes or small figures. Make sure to choose non-toxic, air-drying clay for its ease of use and safety. 

Clay sculpting can be extremely rewarding and lets your loved one get messy (the fun one), offering significant therapeutic benefits due to its tactile nature.

Coloring Books

Adult coloring books with large patterns or simple designs can help with focus and relaxation. No matter your loved one’s interests, there are plenty of options. You can provide colored pencils with ergonomic grips to ease hand discomfort.

Simple Sewing or Fabric Crafts

Sewing crafts can provide a sense of skill mastery, even when modified with pre-cut fabric pieces, pre-threaded needles, or prepared decorative embellishments. Try using guided templates or pre-hooped embroidery pieces for convenience.

Tips for Making Crafts More Accessible for Someone With Parkinson’s 

A proactive approach can help limit obstacles and maximize enjoyment. Family members and caregivers know their loved one best, allowing for personalized modifications. Small changes can make their favorite activities more accessible than ever.

Generally, it helps to:

• Use adaptive tools to improve ease of use
  • Use scissors with ergonomic handles or weighted pens
• Opt for larger materials to accommodate reduced dexterity
  • Try bigger beads, thicker yarn, or thicker paper
• Keep it short & straightforward to reduce frustration & fatigue
  • Choose projects with fewer steps or simplified instructions 
• Plan for stability to support limited strength or balance
  • Incorporate non-slip mats or grips to keep items stable during crafting
• Keep the space bright & uncluttered to minimize strain & confusion
  • Maintain a well-lit, organized workspace with materials easily seen & reachable
• Allow plenty of time to avoid pressure & promote enjoyment
  • Encourage breaks & remember the goal is engagement, not completion

Adjustments like these can make a significant difference. It means your loved one can keep doing what they love—regardless of their condition. It’s a great way to restore independence and dignity to your loved one’s everyday life.

The Value of Memory Care When Parkinson’s Is Involved

Staying active is vital for physical, emotional, and cognitive health. However, there may be a point when the symptoms of Parkinson’s progress, and your loved one may need more help.

Here’s where memory care shines. Communities like Peregrine Senior Living at Onondaga Hill provide tailored care for older adults living with conditions that impact cognitive skills, like Parkinson’s disease. 

Your loved one can get specialized help from a team of experienced professionals. We offer engaging therapies, personal support programs, and accessible activities. In our community, life is about what your loved one can do, not what they can’t.

Find a Community Today

Parkinson’s disease is complex. However, with these changes, you can make it easier than ever to help a loved one stay active, creative, and connected. 

And if you need additional support, our team at Peregrine Senior Living at Onondaga Hill can help. Schedule a visit with our team today to learn more about our programs and how we can help.