As coloring activities for adults continue to grow in popularity, many are finding themselves with the ability to once again experience the joy and freedom that comes with creating something uniquely their own. For the senior residents of Sonoma House Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Care in Carrollton, the benefits of coloring mandala patterns are tremendous, as they provide a purpose-filled activity. Some residents living with Alzheimer’s are responding in ways that their loved ones did not think were possible. Residents of Sonoma House such as Tom, who is living with dementia, are engaged and connected when taking part in the activity. Tom will spend an hour at a time coloring, and the sense of accomplishment and pride he feels is contagious. Tom’s coloring has even encouraged other residents to try their hand at working with mandalas, and he is oftentimes found coloring with other residents or showing them his finished pictures. Previously, he would have difficulty relaxing, focusing or sitting still for any period of time. The community is now creating a book of his artwork and putting some of it on display. The person-centered care provided at the community allows the team to find individualized activities that make a positive impact on the residents’ lives.   

“Everything about Tom’s demeanor has changed,” said Mary, Tom’s wife. “There is something about these designs that allows him to have fluid thoughts for decision-making. I truly believe that because mandalas are geometric–and allow for beginning and ending points that he can follow along with–this activity has tapped into that engineering and creative spirit that has always been central in his life.”

Mary recalls many times when Tom was unable to focus on any activities for long periods of time. He would lose interest after only a few minutes and move on to the next activity. This restlessness was marked by anxiety and stress, and there was little that could calm Tom or bring him comfort. As an engineer, Tom’s days always revolved around finding something new and challenging for himself; he needed something that would push him and allow him the opportunity to be creative.

Mary tried introducing Tom to adult coloring books previously, thinking he would find the activity peaceful. However, Tom would often end up frustrated with the designs, as well as his inability to color the designs as he thought they should be. Then when the mandala activity program at Sonoma House began, everything changed. In common use, “mandala” has become a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern, and it typically refers to patterns found in nature, such as fruit and shells. The difference in Tom was noticeable almost immediately, as he went from spending a few minutes on an activity to coloring mandalas for 30-45 minutes. There are even times when he will sit and color for a few hours, perfectly content with coloring design after design.  

“Tom is so proud of his pictures and keeps them in a binder to look at and show off, I’ve even found some in his jacket pocket that he takes with him,” said Mary. “I’m so grateful that he can be proud of his pictures and be excited about them. Overhearing someone praise him for his talent, and then hearing his response of, ‘I know,’ with an added cheerful smile is wonderful.”

Sonoma House anticipates that providing residents like Tom with a peaceful creative outlet will benefit their immune systems, reduce stress and pain, lower blood pressure, promote sleep and even ease depression. Creative activities have the ability to increase concentration and stimulate the imagination, effectively quieting the mind and creating satisfaction and pleasure from one’s work. Mandalas are seen as an avenue to create art while improving the lives of the residents.

“It is a wonderful thing to see the residents creating works of art that are stimulating to the senses and beneficial to their health,” said James A. Stroud, President of Sonoma House Assisted Living & Alzheimer’s Care. “Art provides joy and peace that comes from creating something uniquely your own. By providing purpose-filled activities, we are giving the residents opportunities to use their imaginations to create something special, while feeling a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction.”

The mandalas have been so helpful for residents of Sonoma House that the community reached out to the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The team at Sonoma House plans to share its experiences and program with the organization in hopes of helping other individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia who live outside of the community.