Art therapy is a tried and tested method within the multi-professional concept of the palliative care unit and allows people a non-verbal, creative approach to dealing with their illness and the associated psychosocial needs. It requires a particularly sensitive and low-threshold approach. The focus is always on the physical, emotional and cognitive needs of the person and the given situation.

It is not possible to predict whether there will be a further encounter with art therapy. This makes these "creatively lived moments" all the more valuable. The main medium used here is painting. Not everyone has the need to express themselves through painting; this should be mentioned first. Nevertheless, even very old people who have not painted since childhood pick up a paintbrush and are amazed at themselves.

The basic attitude in the accompaniment is non-judgmental, attentive and benevolent. The bright colors and pure natural hair brushes appeal directly to the senses. Doing and experiencing are more important than the product. Color and form work on their own. Being allowed to express and move on paper is a soothing experience. "Lightness" can be experienced with brushes and paint, especially in this "difficult" phase of life.

An important concern of art therapy is to enable active image creation. Feelings can find expression, images can be clarified, life reviews take place, memories are revived. The painters can experience distraction, relief and strengthening. If the person is no longer able to paint themselves, there is the opportunity to create for them. This offer is gladly taken up in an observing and compassionate way.