When it comes to dementia care, small things can make a big difference.
And one of those small things just happens to be a beauty product most people associate with glamour and seduction: red lipstick.
That's right, recent studies have shown that applying red lipstick can have profound benefits for those living with dementia.
Apparently, this seemingly frivolous item can boost confidence, stimulate the brain, facilitate communication, and create positive associations for dementia patients.
Ready to learn more about why red lipstick is a game-changer? Keep reading!
Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem
Through its ability to enhance a person's appearance, red lipstick can provide a sense of empowerment and rejuvenation, ultimately boosting confidence and self-esteem.
This benefit is especially important for people who may feel a loss of control or independence due to their dementia diagnosis.
By supporting them to feel good about their appearance and enabling the application of red lipstick we can promote a sense of self-worth and improve their overall well-being.
And that's not all, caregivers and family members can participate in the application of the lipstick, creating a positive bonding experience and reinforcing social connections.
It seems the simple act of wearing red lipstick can have an impactful effect on the emotional state of dementia patients, instilling them with a newfound sense of confidence and pride.
Stimulating the Brain
Red lipstick's benefits extend beyond just its ability to boost confidence and self-esteem. It can also stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function.
When applying lipstick, we use fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which can help exercise the brain.
Additionally, the bright colour can provide a visual cue and aid in memory recall.
By engaging the brain and promoting cognitive function, red lipstick can help people with dementia maintain their mental faculties for longer.
Facilitating Communication
Red lipstick's ability to stimulate the brain can also facilitate communication.
Red lipstick's benefits for people living with dementia go beyond just improving cognitive function. It can also facilitate communication between patients and their loved ones.
By improving cognitive function, older people, including those with dementia, may be able to engage in conversations more easily and express their thoughts and emotions more clearly.
By enhancing their memory and alertness, patients are more likely to engage in conversations and express their thoughts and emotions more clearly.
Applying red lipstick together can also be a fun and engaging activity for care home residents and their caregivers to do together, promoting social connections and improving communication.
With better communication, patients are more likely to feel understood and supported, leading to overall better wellbeing.
Creating Positive Associations
Red lipstick has the potential to create positive associations which can greatly enhance well-being.
The act of applying red lipstick can evoke memories of previous positive experiences, such as getting ready for a special occasion or feeling confident and attractive.
This can bring feelings of joy and happiness to dementia patients, even if they do not fully remember the specific events associated with the lipstick.
Including your gentlemen in this activity is essential, whilst there may be many who do not wish to wear lipstick, they may enjoy watching the ladies trying on theirs.
Some men may like to take part, this can sometimes be from curiosity, but many times the memories that it brings forth - playing the female lead in the school play, taking part in amateur or professional performances in adulthood, or a part of their more personal experiences.
Wearing red lipstick can serve as a reminder of one's identity and personality, which can be particularly important for people with dementia who may struggle to remember details about themselves.
By associating red lipstick with their sense of self, residents may feel a greater sense of control over their lives and a stronger connection to their past.
Caregivers can also use red lipstick as a tool to create positive experiences and memories for their loved ones with dementia.
For example, applying lipstick before a special outing or event can make the experience more enjoyable and meaningful.
This can help to encourage patients to engage in activities and prevent feelings of isolation and depression.
By creating positive associations and memories, red lipstick can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of care home residents.
It serves as a simple but powerful tool for improving communication, promoting social connections, and enhancing overall quality of life.,
The power of red lipstick for goes far beyond aesthetics.
Through boosting confidence and self-esteem, stimulating the brain, facilitating communication, and creating positive associations, this simple beauty product can transform the lives of those with dementia.
It's a small but impactful way to improve their quality of life.
As a caregiver or family member consider trying this game-changing tool for yourself or your loved one.
Just remember, sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.
Please support RED LIPPY DAY this Friday 5th May - CLICK HERE
Are there any suggestions how to actually implement residents wearing lipstick? The cost for a tube of lipstick is $5-10CAD. Do we purchase lipstick for those who don’t already have some? Do you offer tubes for BINGO prizes? Do you ask a local store to donate and then hand them out to each lady? We have 50 women at our Assisted living residence.
If anyone has done this please share how.
Helena from British Columbia, Canada