Creative Aging
Rooted in Dignity, Purpose, and Joy in Life
For Family Engagement, Cultivation of Community, and Professional Integration.
I started my professional journey as a Life Enrichment and Art Therapy Intern. It was during these formative years that I was invited to use my creativity to become relational with others. I discovered that I was able to tap into my many interests of travel, history, art, religion and faith, music, theatre, literature, and even the stock market, through the conversations I had and the programs I helped to both facilitate and develop.
The Way we act as artist
To live creatively, joyfully, and fully in a place of dignity is the dream of all humanity.
This foundation is what started the Dementia Letters Project (the program) and what you experience today through the Dementia Letters Project. I continue that foundational work, only in a slightly different manner. Instead of working for any specific organization or community, I am here to serve you, no matter where you might be, through in-person and virtual programming in the home, an adult day, skilled or assisted living, community organization, and beyond.
My mission is to continue to serve others using the structure of Life Enrichment, both through program development and facilitation, but also in the training of Life
Enrichment/Activities staff. Everyone should be allowed to live wealthy in connection,
regardless of the place they call home, their access to community services, or what their
current care plan offers.
Ways of Creative Aging
Areas I Currently Work
1
Memory Cafés -For the Community and anyone on the dementia journey.
2
Arts Access – For Cultural Institutions
3
Life Enrichment Programming – For in-home and elder care communities.
4
Special Projects – For all
Here’s the thing…
What is Creativity? What is Flourishing?
Creativity and Flourishing are not equal or limited to the professional artist or maker, nor is it limited to only those living without disease, illness, or trials.
Creativity is “the use of the imagination of original ideas.” Flourishing is “the process of developing one’s full potential as a human being.”
This is most certainly possible with dementia no matter our role on this journey.
Elements of Quality Creative Engagement
What you Can Expect FRom Me
Tailored Programming
Each program I recommend, create for you, or pull from my portfolio will be tailored to fit the needs of your resident or client.
Full Accompaniment
From idea to a “big hit” I work along side you in the program be it a one time event or a regular offering.
Care Plan Support
Helping you find ways to add engagement to a resident or client’s care plan.
Safe Failing
Being bold, creative, and innovative in programming in a way that helps magnify purpose with room to fail and try again in safe ways. Failing is unavoidable, relationships get us through.
Sustainability
From a Memory Café to an individuals personalized engagement plan, we design for sustainability, in budget, in time, in talent.
Implementation Assistance
Helping you get started with something new.
One’s ability to live fully does not rely on a specific state of health.
The Details
Discovering ways to live in creative aging.
Memory Café
Memory Cafés are events that allow individuals living with dementia and their care partners and family do something together in community, allowing dementia to fade into the background. Our time together includes facilitated activities, sharing in good food and drink, and beautiful conversations. There are various themes facilitated by guest speakers and artists. The Cafés take place in accessible, relaxing, and welcoming spaces throughout our community.
Arts Access
Made popular by the Meet Me at MoMA program in New York City, arts access has become a standard offering for many arts organizations throughout the globe. Through special tours guided by dementia and art guides, those living with dementia and their loved ones can see and experience the arts through viewing, discussion, and experience. While best experienced on-site, arts access can be beautifully experienced in the care community through life enrichment programming.
Life Enrichment Programming
Your team has a great capacity to provide a vibrant and connected community, but sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to reach each client or resident in the way they need you most. This is where I come in. I can work with you to provide the Life Enrichment programming that you might struggle to offer or don’t have the time to do. Maybe you want to schedule a program that would require additional training for your staff. Or you need to isolate a wing or building on your campus because of illness, but you still want to reach and honor their social needs. Let us work together to offer each individual in your care, a vibrant and joyful connection.
Finding the Key
Through the story of The Secret Garden and the beauty and power of theatre, we learn how to live a flourishing life with dementia by following Mary Lenox’s story.
Dementia Letters
The Life Enrichment program tat started it all. Offered in community or one-on-one with families to write a letters to dementia.
Creativity
Connection
Dignity
Healing
Your Artist and Facilitator
Meet Kate
Creative work in Eldercare is what I believe I was uniquely created to do with my time and talent. I am part artist, part educator, and I find joy in accompanying others along this dementia journey.
I continue to dedicate my life to accompanying those living with dementia. I believe dementia is not a death sentence, a reason to squash dignity, purpose, and joy, nor an eraser that eliminates the beauty of your life. But it is also not a reason to fear suffering, and “shush” conversations about the real trials of dementia. Whether you have the diagnosis yourself or are a care partner, I seek to walk with you through the trials and triumphs of this life.
Make a Difference
Steps to Take Now
Start with Bingo!
Yes, you read that correctly. Start with Bingo. But don’t stay there. Observe who attained, why they come to play, and how the interact with each other and you, and create within and beyond the game of BINGO to fill out your calendar.
Engage One’s Profession
Why does your activities calendar look the way it does? Is it because it is mandated by the state or your corporate office? Is it because your residents have requested the program or love the program? Is it because it is known or has research behind its success? Find out the why, and don’t be afraid to transform the program or replace it if the why is anytime less than it is enjoyed and brings purpose and connection.
Don’t Rest in Research
Research is wonderful, but it is still only a piece of paper in most of our lives. If what research says will work, doesn’t, throw it out. Creative from your intuition, knowledge, and from the undeniable connection between human hearts.
Develop Partnerships
Create an Artist in Residence program with the local school or university, and engage hobbyists and professionals alike in the arts, or other professionals related to the life’s work of your residents. Build connections with local farmers and gardeners. Don’t allow the walls of your building to be gates locked for both sides.