SPOTLIGHT: THE HEART OF SENIOR LIVING
The Power of the Brush for Assisted Living Residents
By Joanne Kaldy
she sees 40-plus years of work, life, creativ- ity, and expression. Her art fills the space and is a source of joy and purpose for her. “Painting and drawing make me feel useful and like I have a purpose. It also helps me cope with the bad things that happen.” She is at an age where has outlived many of her friends, she noted, and this is difficult to deal with. “My art doesn’t make everything okay, but it helps.” Alec Pruchnicki, MD, onsite primary care
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physician at Vista on 5th knows how much art and creativity mean to his residents, and he is an avid supporter of their pursuits. He
50 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE JULY/AUGUST 2023
hen 92-year-old Selma Cooper looks around her apartment at Vista on 5th in New York City,
has several works of art by residents in his office, and more are displayed throughout the high-rise building that overlooks Central Park. “For some residents who are artists or
musicians, continuing to be creative helps them maintain a sense of purpose, especial- ly if they did it professionally before they came here. Others get to do things they al- ways wanted to do but never had the time,” he said. Pruchnicki noted that he has seen the
impact of creativity on his residents. For instance, he said that during the pandemic, isolation seemed to have less of an effect on the artists. “They would sit in front of their easels and happily paint all day,” he said.
One resident came to the facility from a
homeless shelter about 20 years ago. She took an art class and has painted prolifical- ly ever since. “We can kind of gauge her moods based on what and how she paints. When she’s calm, she does nice portraits or landscapes. When she’s feeling bad, she does more abstract work,” said Pruchnicki. “She really enjoys it. She even taught an art class for a while.”
Painting for Purpose While it’s hard to quantify, Pruchnicki admitted, it’s easy to see how art enables residents to thrive. “I think it is responsi- ble for improving mood, behaviors, and self-esteem.” Twice a year, the facility has
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