So many exciting things going on right now in the field of arts and dementia that I've got no time to blog, but I do want to share some of these resources.
Just experienced Dr. Bill Thomas Second Wind Tour in Boston, which was fabulous and inspiring. You can get his book, Second Wind: Navigating the Passage to a Slower, Deeper, and More Connected Life. Not the same thing, but inspiring nonetheless. Thomas called the event Nonfiction Theatre with costume, lights and sound. He called himself an ambassador for elderhood. Favorite and tweetable quotes:
"Slow down. This is not a race you want to win. You might want to focus on this part." I know I do.
"Embrace slow. It allows you to go deep."
What's important for people with dementia? "to love and be loved. Cherished. For one's days to have meaning and purpose. None of those things are on the surface - they're deep inside."
"Aging is a team sport. Humans are not meant to do this alone."
"Nursing homes are a shotgun marriage between the poor house and hospitals. They have done nothing to touch the hearts and souls of patients."
"A newborn's cries reflect the rhythm of the mother's speech."
"It's painful to feel the gifts you have to offer are not needed."
"When you wake another person, part of you awakens."
"Music provides us with a container for living."
Here is a link to find out more about Dr. Richard Coaten and his work for Southwest Yorkshire Partnership. Contact Dr. Coaten if you want to be on his email list about events and studies in the UK re dance, the arts, and dementia.
Arts versus dementia is an article May 23, 2014 in the Bermuda Sun about WindReach and Action on Alzheimer’s and Dementia (AAD) who teamed up to help people with Alzheimer’s and dementia rediscover the joys of art and music.
"Chris Backeberg, education and recreation co-ordinator at WindReach said: “On a clinical level there is good research that indicates activities involving art, music, sound, movement, appropriate games and other connecting activities improves the health and wellbeing of people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“Participants in our groups are experiencing moments of fun and joy, connection with others and a sense of belonging."
In my own work as a dance/movement therapist with people with dementia, I had a very challenging group recently. Because of scheduling challenges, our usual space for group was occupied. When I arrived, people were already sitting in chairs that were roughly arranged in a circle with outcroppings, or scallops. I'm usually very particular about my circles being circles, or at least ovals. The result was fascinating. There was considerably more backbiting and cliquiness than usual. That led me to the discovery of writings by Marsha Frankel about elder bullying. Mean Girls in Assisted Living By Paula Span in The New Old Age, Caring and Coping was particularly helpful.
I always begin my groups focusing on creating love, but for my next group, I plan to begin talking about creating a culture of care together, and coming up with some ground rules. Of course, I'll have to figure out how to do that in a fun way, through songs and movement. If you've got any ideas for me, let me know.
Second Wind
Navigating the Passage to a Slower, Deeper, and More Connected Life
- See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Second-Wind/Dr-Bill-Thomas/9781451667561#sthash.qOuDuDs8.dpu
Second Wind
Navigating the Passage to a Slower, Deeper, and More Connected Life
- See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Second-Wind/Dr-Bill-Thomas/9781451667561#sthash.qOuDuDs8.dp- not the same thing, but inspiring nonetheless.
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