When a picture paints a thousand words
When words are hard to find, colours can speak.
At Warnervale Wellness Centre, client and artist Shaz has used her artistry to transform the challenges of living with dementia into a celebration of creativity and connection.
Shaz’s unique way of using colours to communicate is one of inspiration and understanding.
After her diagnosis, the Centre’s caring team gently encouraged Shaz to rediscover her passion for painting. With their support, Shaz has found a powerful way to convey her feelings through her artwork, most recently with her piece ‘Shades of Dementia’.
‘Shaz painted ‘Shades of Dementia’ so we would understand her world. Each colour tells us what she feels and needs from us,’ said Warnervale Wellness and Respite Coordinator, Michelle Webb.
The colour yellow represents a happy day for her. She feels engaged, chatty, and connected. This is when her light shines, and she wants to share it.
Blue is for a calm day. Blue is creativity and peace. It is when she may want to paint, draw, or lose herself in her art.
Orange is when Shaz feels okay, but there’s nervousness beneath the surface. Orange says she might need to step away from the group and spend time with a team member to feel safe.
Green represents a worry day. When she chooses this colour, she is quietly asking for reassurance, encouragement, or our presence.
Brown means she is not doing well. It is a signal for support, to guide her through the struggle when she cannot ask for it in words.
Red days are for when Shaz feels confused, her way of saying: ‘I can’t choose today, but I choose trusted others to make the decision for me.’
Black is not always used to convey despair. It can mean sitting quietly together, no words needed, simply knowing she is safe.
More than merely a collection of colours, they represent Shaz’s voice, her courage to ensure her needs are understood, even when dementia tries to silence her.
‘In Shaz’s own way, she teaches us what dementia really looks like, not just memory loss, but a kaleidoscope of emotions, shifting daily, sometimes hourly,’ said Michelle.
‘It is also a reminder that with patience, creativity, and compassion, we can learn to listen… even when words are lost,’ said Michelle.
Shaz’s story exemplifies how, with patience and understanding, older people with dementia can find meaning in an environment that promotes connection, dignity, and hope.
If you would like more information, visit our webpage on our Catholic Healthcare website Health and Wellness Centres