Puppetry can be a playful and creative tool for many caregivers. It helps us look at things differently and encourage social interaction. Through puppet-making activities, we explore ways to build rewarding intergenerational connections.
Puppets can be any character and personality you want them to be. They can be animated and take on a life of its own. Puppets also permit us to play. As caregivers, we can become wrapped in a serious existence of overwhelmed anxiety and fear. These emotions cause us to feel tense and stressed in our bodies, hearts, and mind. However, playfulness and humour create endorphins in the brain that allow us to relax our body and be more present, allowing us to appreciate all that is happening and be present for the care recipient.
We can be active and empathetic listeners and be better problem-solvers and communicators when relaxed. These things are especially important in our quality of life and the care of our care recipient. It improves our relationships with others.
Different communications dynamics that puppets offer:
- Puppets can interact directly with you and others.
- They can talk to other puppets.
The process of making a puppet is the important part; it is where the magic happens – the connection, expression, stories, and joy that it creates. The goal is not to make a cool craft or come in with a preconceived project vision.
Benefits of using puppets as a tool in caregiving:
- It is very inexpensive to make – check your cupboards & drawers at home first!
- Puppetry can incorporate any art form – including music, photography, scriptwriting, etc.
- People connect with puppets at every age and stage of life.
Important guidelines when using puppets as a tool:
- Be flexible & open as to how engagement evolves
- Let go of judgment
- Be an active listener
- Your puppet should always come from a place of EMPATHY.
Try these different kinds of puppetry:
- Shadow puppetry
- Rod puppetry – easy to manipulate a larger cast of characters
- Knuckle bopper puppets
- “Paper Mache Head” rob puppets
Resources:
Shelley’s Website: Artful Connections
5 Simple Steps to Using Puppets with Elderly Seniors
Sources:
The above content was adapted, in part, from an Ontario Caregiver Organization webinar presented by Shelley King. She is an arts educator, puppeteer, expressive arts facilitator, and family caregiver. As the founder of Artful Connections, she offers creative and engaging workshops that spark imagination and take the pressure off remembering for people with dementia. She also facilitates workshops and designs resources for caregivers that teach innovative strategies and activities to build a meaningful connection with their care recipient.
