Creative Connection in Dementia Care: Art at Uniting Lindsay Gardens, Hamilton

Every time I bring art into the dementia ward at Uniting Lindsay Gardens in Hamilton, I’m reminded of the quiet power of creativity — not just as an activity, but as a way of connecting, soothing, and being seen.

In this beautiful and supportive space, I offer gentle, sensory-based art sessions designed for people living with dementia. These sessions focus less on the outcome and more on the experience — how it feels to move a brush, press into clay, or simply choose a colour.

Because even when memory fades or words become harder to find, creativity still lives in the body — in gesture, in rhythm, in emotion.

Art as Gentle Stimulation

In dementia care, stimulation doesn’t have to be loud or fast. In fact, the most effective support often comes in soft, familiar forms — and that’s exactly what art can offer.

In my sessions at Lindsay Gardens, I focus on:

• Tactile, sensory materials like watercolour, pastels, and collage

• Repetitive, calming movements

• Nature-based and seasonal themes

• Familiar prompts that gently spark memories

This kind of creative stimulation helps activate the senses, supports cognitive engagement, and often leads to unexpected moments of joy, story-sharing, or simply peace.

Art as a Bridge to Connection

One of the most powerful things about art is that it creates connection without pressure. In a dementia ward, this is incredibly important — not just for residents, but also for carers, staff, and visiting family.

During sessions, I often witness:

• Participants smiling as they layer colours

• Gentle conversations sparked by the feel of a leaf or memory of a garden

• Carers pausing to sit beside someone and make art together

• Quiet, meaningful moments of presence

There’s no pressure to perform. Just permission to be.

Why It Matters

Art supports people living with dementia by offering:

• Cognitive stimulation

• Emotional expression without words

• A sense of choice and agency

• Moments of calm in the day

• Connection to self, memory, and others

In this work, I’ve learned that it’s not about what gets made — it’s about what gets felt.

A Little About My Practice

My name’s Gabrielle, and I offer inclusive, sensory-rich art sessions across:

• Newcastle

• Port Stephens

• Lake Macquarie

• Tanilba Bay

• The Manning Valley
  And online via Zoom for families and carers across Australia.

All sessions are designed to support emotional wellbeing, sensory regulation, and creative exploration — with no art experience required.

NDIS (self- and plan-managed) options are also available.

A Moment of Presence

In dementia care, presence matters more than perfection.
It’s about the small things — a brushstroke, a smile, a feeling of being safe and seen.

I’m grateful to the team and residents at Uniting Lindsay Gardens for welcoming me into their community, and for recognising the value of creativity as a form of care.

Together, we’re proving that art isn’t just for making — it’s for remembering, relating, and simply being.