POSSIBILITIES OF ART THERAPY AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL METHOD IN THE SYSTEM OF LONG-TERM CARE FOR THE ELDERLY PERSONS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS

Abstract

The article reflects modern ideas about the role of psychological and pedagogical methods in the system of rehabilitation of elderly people with cognitive impairments. The purpose of the study is to analyze the possibilities of art therapy as one of the psychological and pedagogical methods in working with older people in the system of long-term care. Research methods: the respondents are 127 elderly people (the mean age of 75 ± 2.2 years) with impaired cognitive functions for 3 months. Evaluation of the effectiveness of art therapy is carried out using the following methods: Luscher test, M.E. Guseva test, color-drawing test by A.O. Prokhorov, G.N. Gening, etc. The cycle consisted of 1-2 lessons per week for three months using coloring books. Evaluation of the art therapy method show its effectiveness and accessibility, taking into account the opinion of caregivers. The feeling of uselessness, lack of demand, helplessness, feeling of loneliness decreased by 30%. After the course of art therapy, a positive dynamics of the communication deficit was noted – decrease by 50%. The art therapy technique stimulates intellectual activity, develops fine motor skills of the hands, improves attention, memory and mood, which helps to improve the quality of life of an elderly person and improve interpersonal relationships in the family.